Celebrating the Contributions of Sister Juanita Shealey, CSJ

Sister Juanita Shealey, CSJ, a 95-year-old member of the Congregation of St. Joseph, stands as a towering figure in Black Catholic leadership and social justice. Her life’s work centers on the National Black Sisters’ Conference (NBSC), where she helped shape a national voice for Black Catholic women and advance a spirituality deeply rooted in heritage, dignity, and service. This profile honors her NBSC-centered legacy and her enduring commitment to faith, education, and justice.

In 1968, Sister Juanita was a founding member of NBSC, a watershed moment that established a national platform for Black Catholic women religious. Her leadership emphasized dignity, professional development, and a faith strengthened by Black heritage. Under her influence, NBSC cultivated leadership pipelines, fostered mutual support among Black sisters, and promoted cultural renewal within Catholic life.

Her NBSC work advanced “Soul in modern religious life,” urging reforms in dress, liturgy, and practice to honor Black heritage. She helped NBSC become a vital space for leadership, prayer, and collaboration, while actively challenging racism within the Church and society. Her efforts broadened opportunities for Black women religious to lead, teach, and shape Church life with confidence and authenticity.

At the 1970 NBSC gathering at the University of Notre Dame, Sister Juanita led in weaving African symbols into Catholic worship, famously passing a chalice in a dashiki to gospel music. This enduring gesture symbolizes the fusion of cultural heritage with liturgical life and the NBSC’s mission of inclusive worship.

Sister Juanita’s NBSC leadership expanded opportunities for Black women religious and enriched the Church’s liturgical and cultural expression through African heritage. Her advocacy and vision continue to inspire generations of sisters and allies in the pursuit of justice, equity, and unity within the Body of Christ.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Sister Juanita for her tireless contributions to NBSC and to the broader Catholic community. Thank you, Sister Juanita, for your courage, your witness, and your unwavering dedication to lifting Black Catholic leadership and forging a more just and inclusive Church for all.