A community of Catholic religious sisters who have spent more than a century caring for terminally ill patients is now in a legal battle with the state of New York, arguing that new regulations threaten both their mission and their religious freedom.
The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who operate Rosary Hill Home, a facility that has provided free care to cancer patients for nearly 125 years, say recent directives from state officials conflict directly with Catholic teaching. According to EWTN News, the sisters received multiple letters warning them about policies related to gender identity, including room assignments, restroom access, and the use of preferred pronouns.
The sisters say complying is not an option.
“I think the most important thing is that we are adamant in keeping our Catholic identity. Without that, there’s no purpose for us to do what we’re doing,” Mother Marie Edward, OP, told the National Catholic Register, according to EWTN News.
Easter Was Just the Beginning… Please Watch
The dispute stems from a 2023 New York law aimed at protecting residents in long-term care facilities from discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or HIV status. State officials have emphasized that the law ensures dignity and equal treatment for all residents. However, the sisters argue that the requirements compel them to act against their faith.
In response, the Dominican Sisters filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming violations of their First Amendment rights. The complaint asserts that the state is infringing upon both freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion by forcing them to adopt positions contrary to Catholic teaching.
Their legal counsel, L. Martin Nussbaum, described the situation as unnecessary and burdensome, especially given the home’s history. “Over 125 years, as far as they know, they’ve never once had a patient who was wanting to make the gender journey, to transition,” he said. “Why are we doing this? We don’t even have such patients.”
For the sisters, the issue is not merely administrative but deeply spiritual. Their care for the dying is rooted in their understanding of Christ and the dignity of the human person.
“We are to care for the patients as if they were Christ, the suffering Christ,” Mother Marie Edward explained. “So to do something that goes contrary to that, it just wouldn’t work.”
She further emphasized the importance of truth in their mission, referencing Christ’s words in the Gospel. “If he’s the truth, then we cannot practice what we do, incorporating something that is an untruth,” she said.
Founded in 1900 by Mother Mary Alphonsa, formerly Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, the congregation has long been dedicated to serving the poor and dying. Their facility in Hawthorne, New York, continues that mission today, with sisters and staff providing compassionate care rooted in prayer and Catholic teaching.
Despite the legal uncertainty, the sisters remain steadfast in their trust in God.
“I’m not really worried, because I know the Lord is going to take care of us,” Mother Marie Edward said.
As the case unfolds, it highlights a growing tension between religious liberty and evolving legal standards—raising questions that many Catholics are watching closely.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
