In the late 1960's, in a letter to the new Superior General in Rome (Helen) expressed her insight into what was needed for change to occur. She observed that there is a "group of RSCJ (and they are not only the young) who direct their vision to the future and are ready to take the necessary risks involved in any action which is seen to be necessary. These are the people we must get into positions of decision-making so they can give the Province the forward thrust that it must adopt if we are not to lose the most gifted members of the Province, . . . These are the women, the religious, both young and older, who are the real hope of,the Society today. If we lose them because of inaction, fearful half-measures, I think the Society in this country is doomed."
In 1970, in the midst of the provincial chapter preparatory to the General Chapter, Helen stood up in the midst of a turbulent meeting and stated firmly, as only she could do, that the structures of the Province should be dissolved so that the necessary changes could go into motion. In the light of that time, it was a revolutionary act. (To read more about Helen Sheahan's life, click on the link under her picture.)
