No one likes being vulnerable. Yet, it's part of our human condition. In a culture that champions independence and self-reliance, we're formed to see vulnerability as weakness, an undesirable trait that makes us a burden to others. To us, it seems like an obstacle to greatness, even to holiness. The earth-shaking reality is that vulnerability isn't the obstacle to greatness--it's actually the pathway. Our vulnerability is the most common circumstance God chooses to act, and acts powerfully with our permission.
This talk will address the theology of vulnerability as a gift, and how through it, we have the unique ability to enter the vulnerability of God Himself, through His Incarnate Son, who has forever transformed human weakness to become a place of glory. We'll also discuss how, contrary to what the world teaches, vulnerability is a gift--one that even has the power to transform others by demanding a gift of love from them they never thought possible.
Speaker: Sister Maria Frassati, SV
Topic: The Theology of Vulnerability
Date/Time: Thursday, January 29, 2026, 1-2 PM EST
Venue: Secretariat Building Room S-1520 - on the 15th Floor
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/join (Meeting ID: 9173535387 & Passcode: 9173535387) or Dial-in Number: +16469313860 followed by 9173535387# for access code. (No need to put in participant number, just press # again when asked.)
Speaker Bio: Sister Maria Frassati, SV is a proud New Englander from Waltham, MA, and studied pre-veterinary medicine and chemistry at the University of Vermont. After falling in love with the beauty of the human person through encountering the writings of St. John Paul II, she entered the Sisters of Life in 2014. She professed final vows on August 6th, 2022. Sr. Maria Frassati currently lives at the Visitation Mission in New York City where she currently serves as the coordinator for our Co-Workers of Life mission, meeting and forming lay volunteers who help serve vulnerable pregnant mothers across the country. She loves reading, biking around the city, and perfecting her sourdough bread-making skills.
The Sisters of Life are a religious community of women founded in 1991 by John Cardinal O’Connor who take a fourth vow to protect and enhance the sacredness of human life. Immersed in Eucharistic prayer within a vibrant community life, their missions include caring for vulnerable pregnant women and their unborn children; inviting those wounded by abortion into the healing mercy of Jesus; fostering a culture of life through evangelization; retreat works; spiritual accompaniment of college students; and upholding the beauty of marriage and family life.
For any questions, please get in touch with unitednationscatholicclub@outlook.com.