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 Sr.
Bernadette Campbell, OP
Golden Jubilarian
50 years (July 9, 1957)
Sr. Bernadette Campbell first fell in love with the Dominican way of life through her Dominican teachers at St. Lawrence O'Toole in Pittsburgh. But it was her experiences visiting her older sister, who had become a Dominican Sister years before, that sealed Sr. Bernadette's desire to enter St. Mary of the Springs. She wanted to be part of the joy, faith, and dedication to God that she witnessed among the Sisters she had come to know. Today celebrating 50 years in religious life, she proclaims that her community of Sisters indeed has nurtured her in these areas and in many other ways.
In addition to the community aspect of religious life, Sr. Bernadette credits her faithfulness in her vocation to her sense of humor and ability to adapt to new challenges. "I've always been blessed with good companions on my journey," she shares. "And that can make all the difference in any life, especially a life filled with change."
Sr. Bernadette began her ministry in education, mostly as a first- and second-grade teacher or principal at schools in Pittsburgh and New York. In addition, she feels blessed to have had opportunities to exercise her Spanish language abilities and to develop a love for Latino culture as a grade-school teacher and high-school principal stationed in Puerto Rico for 11 years. In 1988, Sr. Bernadette's ministry path changed as she accepted a position at Duquesne University, where she served for three years as an academic advisor and then 11 years as a campus minister. In 2002, her path took another direction again as she began working for her Dominican community as the Promoter of Preaching, Spiritual and Liturgical Life. Also in service to St. Mary of the Springs, Sr. Bernadette has dedicated several years to working in collaborative projects with Dominican Sisters from other communities across the United States. During her time in Columbus, she has shared knowledge of Spanish by arranging language classes for staff and Sisters at the motherhouse and has worked with the Dominican Learning Center in coordinating ESL tutoring for Latino parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
Sr. Bernadette proclaims that one of the great gifts of her vocation has been the development of her prayer life and spirituality over time. She says the journey from the regulated prayer life of her youth to a more personal understanding of God has been powerful. "The experiences I've had, the insights I've gained from friends and wonderful spiritual directors over the years, God's own voice in my life – all have helped me recognize the divine within myself and in so much of God's beautiful creation," she explains. "From people, to nature, to music, art – all are filled with the divine presence and show us a glimpse of God." As she looks to the future, Sr. Bernadette welcomes whatever lies ahead. "I always know I'll be happy wherever I am," she says. |
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