Sister Ann Cunningham is a member of the Dominican Congregation of Saint Catherine of Siena Newcastle [South Africa]. After some years in the teaching profession, she trained in the ministry of initial and ongoing formation. She currently holds a leadership position as congregation prioress.

Q. When were the seeds of your vocation sown?

A. In my home – both parents were good practising Catholics and taught by word and example the values of prayer, self-sacrifice, generosity of spirit and the importance of family. I was privileged to be educated by Dominican sisters who further nurtured the seeds of my vocation. A memory I have of my school years was just how active the sisters were in promoting vocations to sisterhood. Once I expressed an interest in the call to religious life, I found individual sisters to be most supportive and encouraging. This sense of being accompanied was ever so important at the time of choosing my vocation.

Q. Why did you choose this particular order?

A. Throughout my school life I was educated by Dominicans and always regarded the Sisters as very special. I experienced them not only as good educators, but women who radiated a joy and friendliness. I wanted that something which can’t always be expressed in words. As a young girl I was drawn to the Dominican crest, and the value of ‘veritas’ always struck a deep chord within me. The Dominican motto ‘To Praise, To Bless, To Preach’ played an important part in influencing my choice to join the order.

Q. What aspect of religious life has you found most rewarding?

A. Being part of the vision and mission of the congregation and the opportunity to be engaged in various ministries and the privilege of collaborating and networking with so many beautiful people. I have also had opportunities for personal growth and the space and time for prayer and contemplation. Spearheading new initiatives and having a sense of belonging to the congregation and to the larger Dominican family have also been very rewarding.

Q. What have you found most difficult?

A. Trying to find the balance between contemplation and action. And it is hard to have a prophetic response to what God is saying through the cries of the poor and oppressed when there is a poverty of resources and personnel. Also, trying to keep abreast in a rapidly changing world and at the same time striving to respond to the challenges of being signs of hope is not easy.

Q. How do you see the work you are currently involved in? 

A. I have been entrusted with a leadership position that, for me, is both a privilege and a challenge. I love the congregation as well as the Dominican order, and I am fully committed to serving and leading the congregation with all that I have to give. I am enriched and inspired by the inter-congregational relationships and am happy to serve other religious at this level of leadership.

Q. What skills do you need?

A. The ability to hold in tandem the reality of who we are with the need for change as we move forward into God’s future.

Q. Have you a tip on how to pray?

A. Prayer is a way of life, so live each day with a sense of wonder and an awareness of God’s personal love. Create space for God and place oneself in God’s presence with open hands. Allow God to be God and abandon the need to be in control. Stay faithful to God’s invitation to grow in communion with Him – even if one is experiencing the “dark night of the soul.” Nourish prayer by pondering on God’s word and listening to the movements of the Holy Spirit, and always give to others the fruits of one’s contemplation.

Q. What’s your favourite movie?

A. Shadowlands. It is a beautiful story of deep love and happiness. It explores the question: Why does God allow suffering?

Q. If you were hosting a dinner party, which person from history would you invite?

A. Catherine of Siena, Leo Tolstoy, C.S. Lewis, Gerald Manly Hopkins and Rose Niland.