Dominican Sisters Open Mic – Ep. 11: No Boring Days for Dominicans

Host: Sr. Miriam, O.P.
Guest: Sr. Joseph Andrew, O.P.
Date: April 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this insightful and energetic episode, Sr. Miriam sits down with Sr. Joseph Andrew, O.P., one of the four foundresses of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Together, they explore the vibrancy and joy of religious life, the adventure of a Dominican vocation, the paradox of joy and suffering, the importance of authentic prayer, and practical spiritual advice drawn from decades of experience. The conversation is lively, peppered with humor, wisdom, and memorable anecdotes—demonstrating why there truly are no boring days for Dominicans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Sr. Joseph Andrew’s Background and Teaching Vocation

• 55 Years of Religious Life ([02:24])

  • Entered the convent in 1970 at age 17.
  • Native of East Tennessee; comes from a devout family where God was always priority.
  • Taught grade-school religion, high school, and some junior college—favorites include theology and sciences.

• Love for Science and Music ([03:10]–[05:35])

  • Sees science as the “visible expression of God’s love.”
  • Head organist for the community; believes music expresses what words cannot.
  • “Music should just flow...” ([04:54] – Sr. Joseph Andrew)

The Adventure of Dominican Life

• Dominican Vocation: Not a Boring Life ([00:26], [11:33])

  • “I do not tolerate boredom. But our life is full of adventure, and it’s constant, and you don’t know what the next moment’s going to bring.” ([00:26], [11:47] – Sr. Joseph Andrew)
  • Emphasizes the unpredictability and excitement of daily life as a sister.
  • “Yesterday at this time, I didn’t know I was going to be doing this. And I love doing this.” ([00:41])

• Life as Vocation Director – Encouraging Others to Discern ([05:35]–[08:14])

  • Loves accompanying young women as they discern God’s call—whether to religious life, marriage, or other vocations.
  • Early attraction to the Dominicans: “I thought, someday, I’m going to get one of those [rosaries]. And I think that really was the beginning of my saying, I do want to be a Dominican sister.” ([07:10])

Presence of God & Spiritual Peace

• Always Close to Christ ([08:20]–[09:08])

  • “I have never not felt close to Christ...even when I was doing the wrong thing, I’d go, ‘Just close your eyes because I’m going to have some fun now.’” ([08:20] – Sr. Joseph Andrew)
  • Anchoring the daily rhythm of her vocation in the constant presence of God.

• Deep Spiritual Peace ([09:19]–[11:25])

  • Describes the best aspect of religious life as “the depth of spiritual peace.”
  • “Waking up at night and knowing my spouse will always be beside me, he is always with me...” ([10:16] – sharing a vocation talk at Harvard)

The Myth of the “Boring Nun”

• Energetic & Joyful Living ([11:33]–[12:17])
  • Finds fulfillment in the adventure of service, community, and God’s grace.
  • “If I were out in the dog eat dog world, I wouldn’t do well because I would very quickly lose interest in what I considered a lesser goal.” ([09:41])

Guidance for Seekers & Those New to Spiritual Life

• Why Seek God? ([12:29]–[15:37])

  • Encourages engaging with God at whatever level you are.
  • “Quit looking at yourself and look at God. Let Him use you.” ([13:50])
  • Cites prevalence of depression and anxiety related to self-absorption—urges turning outward to God and others.
  • “Because love is where it’s at. That will turn us on. Anything less...will just keep sapping us until we’re finally off.” ([15:27])

• Hearing God’s Voice ([15:54]–[17:57])

  • God’s voice is unique for each person, but for Sr. Joseph Andrew it is experienced as “desire.”
  • “Desire...captures your heart. I am willing to sacrifice for this, I must have this or my life will be incomplete.” ([16:20])
  • The fruit of prayer and time with God is peace—even amid tumult.

Spreading the Faith: Sr. Joseph Andrew Out on Mission

• Travel & Speaking Apostolate ([17:57]–[20:24])
  • Frequently travels to speak on the Eucharist, sacraments, the feminine and masculine genius, and Marian devotion.
  • “The things that turn people on interiorly...that give me a meaning for my life when exteriorly things don’t look necessarily that good.” ([18:57])
  • Views her apostolate as sharing what she loves, imitating the Blessed Mother’s maternal encouragement “just love my Son.” ([19:45])

Suffering and Joy: The Spiritual Paradox

• The Intertwining of Joy and Suffering ([20:38]–[25:07])
  • “You can’t have joy without suffering. That’s pretty strong, yes, but it is true...”
  • Differentiates between shallow happiness (based on getting what one wants) and deep joy (which often emerges from suffering).
  • “Suffering is the common denominator of all of us who really desire God. He will bring us...freedom from the sorrow...that equals the joy.” ([23:25])

Practical Advice for Carrying Crosses

• Steps to Handle Suffering ([26:21]–[32:11])

  1. Pray—“Some crosses other people can’t exactly help us with. Some are so interior that only God can get that deep inside.” ([26:39])
  2. Act Where Possible—“Is there something you can do about that, you know, so pray first. Is there something I can do?” ([28:23])
  3. Share With Someone Trusted—“We can’t always carry our crosses...ask for help like Simon did for Christ.” ([29:01])
  4. Forgiveness—“Forgiveness is a key to finding acceptance...if I have prayed myself too forgiving...it frees me from their response.” ([30:55])
  • Memorable moment: Describing her mother’s heroic, faith-filled suffering and the importance of opening to God’s grace ([27:15]).

• Inviting Our Lady and the Saints ([32:11]–[33:39])

  • Praying the Rosary led Sr. Miriam to a deeper relationship with Christ during a time of illness.
  • “I felt that it was in Our Lady’s hands and that she was accompanying me—beautiful. And I really did fall in love with the Lord in a deeper way during that time.” ([32:58] – Sr. Miriam)
  • “Be real before God. Be real.” ([33:39] – Sr. Joseph Andrew)

Authentic Prayer & Final Encouragements

• No One-Size-Fits-All ([34:35])
  • Prayer is friendship; authenticity and honesty are crucial.
  • “Let God be God, because you’re not.” ([35:21])
  • “If someone is like, ‘Well, I don’t really have that, how do I get it?’ Talk to him like you and anybody else you want to get to know.” ([36:26])
  • Reminds listeners that everyone—sisters included—is on the journey and needs mercy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I do not tolerate boredom. But our life is full of adventure...”
  —Sr. Joseph Andrew ([00:26])

• “Because love is where it’s at. That will turn us on. Anything less than that will just keep sapping us until we’re finally off.”
  —Sr. Joseph Andrew ([15:27])

• “You can’t have joy without suffering. That’s pretty strong, yes, but it is true...”
  —Sr. Joseph Andrew ([21:30])

• “Let God be God, because you’re not.”
  —Sr. Joseph Andrew ([35:23])

• “Prayer is friendship. And every moment is a different aspect of that beautiful friendship.”
  —Sr. Joseph Andrew ([34:37])

• “You wish you could give [peace] to everyone. The only way you’re going to get peace is to open to God and love Him and know He loves you.”
  —Sr. Joseph Andrew ([17:00])

Important Timestamps

| Time | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:26 | Sr. Joseph Andrew on non-stop adventure in religious life | | 02:24 | Reflecting on 55 years since entering the convent | | 03:34 | Science as a visible sign of God’s love | | 05:35 | On being a vocations director | | 09:19 | The spiritual peace of knowing Christ as spouse | | 11:33 | Why being a sister is not boring | | 12:29 | Advice for those beginning spiritual life | | 15:54 | How God speaks: the role of desire and peace | | 17:57 | Sr. Joseph Andrew’s speaking apostolate | | 20:38 | Paradox of joy and suffering | | 25:07 | Practical tips for carrying crosses | | 32:58 | Sr. Miriam on finding the rosary during illness | | 35:21 | Sr. Joseph Andrew: final spiritual encouragements | | 38:39 | Speed round—personal favorites and insights |

Speed Round Highlights ([38:39]–[53:09])

• Favorite Liturgical Season:

  • Christmas (for its joyful giving) and Holy Week—especially Holy Thursday, for the gift of the Eucharist ([40:32]).

• Music as a Hobby:

  • Began playing piano at age 3½; music expresses what words cannot ([41:29]).

• Favorite Age to Teach:

  • Fifth grade for their “energy and idealism;” sophomores in high school for similar reasons ([47:46]).

• Favorite Books (besides the Bible):

  • Confessions of St. Augustine; I Believe in Love (on St. Thérèse of Lisieux) ([44:32]).

• Favorite Title of Our Lady:

  • Simply “Mother” or “Mama”—personal, loving, and close ([47:06]).

• The Saint She’d Share Dinner With:

  • St. Joseph—her “buddy” since childhood ([49:19]).

• Activity That Brings Peace:

  • Sitting still in chapel; conversing deeply with others ([51:57]).

Final Reflections

• Sr. Joseph Andrew urges listeners to be real before God, cultivate authentic prayer, allow for both suffering and joy, and remember that the spiritual journey is lifelong and dynamic.
• Her humor, energy, and practical wisdom encourage seekers at every stage—demonstrating that Dominican religious life is anything but boring.

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Torch App: Free recordings of the sisters’ sacred music.
• YouTube Series: “The Truth Shall Set You Free” with Sr. Joseph Andrew.
• Books: Confessions (St. Augustine), I Believe in Love (St. Thérèse of Lisieux).
• Website: openlightmedia.com

“If someone is like, ‘Well, I don’t really have that, how do I get it?’ Talk to him like you and anybody else you want to get to know... God is pure mercy. That’s why He died for us.”
—Sr. Joseph Andrew ([36:26])