Sister Diana Momeka, OP, Gives Graduation Talk at CTU

May 29, Chicago – Sister Diana Momeka, OP, of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena, of Mosul, Iraq, was chosen by her classmates at Chicago Theological Union (CTU) to give the graduate commencement address during the May 17 commencement ceremony, held in K.A.M. Isaiah Israel Temple, the oldest Jewish temple in Chicago. Sister Diana earned a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Sister Diana Momeka, OP, of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Mosul, Iraq, addresses her graduating class at Chicago Theological Union (CTU). Behind her are some of the 13 flags representing the nations of origin of the Class of 2012.

“My fellow graduates, the goal of our gathering this evening in this very sacred space, on this very holy ground, is not merely to receive our diplomas, but also to witness to the world that we are ready to take the risk and engage ourselves in mission and ministry to make the world a better and peaceful place,” Sister Diana told her classmates. She herself will witness to the world when she returns to live and minister with her community in Iraq this July.

Celebrating the special day with her were her Prioress, Sister Marie Hanna, OP, and friends from the St. Catherine of Siena and Adrian Dominican Congregations. The celebration continued the next day, with a graduation party.

Sister Diana earned her doctorate in ministry.

Sister Diana is among a group of Sisters from the St. Catherine Congregation who have come to the United States since 2008 to live and minister with the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Their time in the United States has given them a much-needed respite from the violence of their home country, and in many cases education to help them to serve their people when they return to Iraq.