Joan Chittister is one of the most articulate social analysts and influential religious leader of our times. For 40 years she has put her energy into advocating for the critical questions impacting the global community. Courageous, passionate and charged with energy, she is a much sought after speaker, counselor and clear voice across all religions. A best-selling author of more than 50 books, columnist and noted international lecturer, she has received numerous honors for her work on behalf of peace, human rights, women’s issues and church renewal including Notre Dame University’s, Dr. Thomas A Dooley Award. She currently serves as co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women, a partner organization of the UN, facilitating a worldwide network of women peace builders and was an advisor for the groundbreaking report, “A Woman’s Nation,” led by Maria Shriver.

Her doctorate is from Penn State University in Speech Communication Theory and she was an elected-fellow of St. Edmund’s College, Cambridge University.

Sister Joan is a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, PA, and the animating force behind MonasteriesoftheHeart.org, a web-based movement sharing Benedictine spirituality with contemporary seekers, and the executive director of Benetvision, a resource and research center for contemporary spirituality located in Erie.  She served as prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie for 12 years.