By Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Special to the Herald
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet gathered at their motherhouse in St. Louis, Missouri, on Jan. 10 for a celebration of affirmation marking the transition of their Congregational Leadership teams. Rooted in prayer, ritual and gratitude, the gathering honored faithful service while calling forth new leadership for the years ahead.
Among the many meaningful signs of this moment was Hawaii’s own religious vocation, Sister Patty Chang. Her life and ministry beautifully embody the congregation’s enduring charism and global reach coming full circle.
The response to that call to serve on the Congregational Leadership Team, however, took time to unfold.
For 12 years, Sister Chang devoted herself to caring for her father, living the spirit of love and fidelity at the heart of the congregation’s mission. When other siblings were finally able to step forward to take her place, she was free to respond fully to God’s invitation to leadership.
Sister Chang’s connection to the Sisters of St. Joseph began early. She was first introduced to the congregation as a student at St. Theresa School in Honolulu, where her elementary education was shaped by the sisters’ commitment to learning, faith and service.
Sister Chang’s vocational journey was further influenced by her aunty, Sister Claudia Wong — also a Sister of St. Joseph — her witness planted seeds that would take root over time. Sister Chang entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1980.
Throughout her religious life, Sister Chang has served in a wide range of ministries reflecting both professional expertise and pastoral presence. Her roles have included: religious educator at Christ the King Church in Kahului, Maui; campus minister at Chaminade University of Honolulu; and specialist with the Office of Aging in the state Department of Health. She has also served in congregational leadership in Hawaii and on the Leadership Association of Religious Congregations team, and continues to work closely with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet ohana.
The celebration of affirmation Jan. 10 honored the members of the outgoing Congregational Leadership Team, who served from 2020-2026, for their prophetic response to the cries of the earth, their witness against systems of oppression and their invitation to deeper unity across cultures and borders.
In the Liturgy of the Word, the proclamation of Jeremiah 29:11-14 — “I know well the plans I have in mind for you… plans to give you a future full of hope” — held particular resonance. It was the same passage Sister Chang chose for her final profession, quietly affirming God’s steady guidance across the seasons of her life.
Portraying the congregation’s foundress, Mother St. John Fontbonne, Sister Donna Gunn appeared in full black habit, reminding all present that the moment called for another re-founding. (The congregation was formally established in France in 1650, but was disbanded amid the French Revolution. Mother Fontbonne “refounded” the congregation in 1808, after the revolution ended.)
Drawing from the congregation’s founding in France to the arrival of the first sisters in Missouri in 1836, Sister Gunn named this time not as one of diminishment, but of hope, courage and renewed commitment. The new Congregational Leadership Team, which will serve until 2032, was missioned to boldly witness to the Gospel, implement the 2025 Congregational Direction statements and embrace the grace of diversity through deeper cultural awareness and competence.
For Hawaii, Sister Chang’s service on the new leadership team is especially meaningful. Since the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in the islands in 1938, their ministry has reflected the same pioneering spirit that expands around the globe, particularly in Japan, Peru and the U.S. Today, through Sister Chang and so many others, that faithful, responsive and hopeful legacy continues as God calls forth the right people at the right time.
Above: From left, the outgoing (o) and incoming (i) Congregational Leadership Team members: Sisters Eileen McCann (i), Sean Peters (o), Patty Chang (i), Sally Harper (o), Anne Davis (i), Mary McGlone (o), Patty Johnson (o), Gail Trippett (i) and Laura Bufano (i). (Courtesy Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP)