Hope & Unity in the US
May 13, 2026
This article appears in the May Issue of Reflections and Connections
The evening of April 23, 2026, was filled with reminders of unity and hope at the first of three speaking events for the US at 250 Speaker Series featuring the Honorable Janine Geske, former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.
CSA Archivist Jenny Lukomski welcomed the audience with a reminder that the US is a nation that is constantly striving to be better. She said, “When Alexis de Tocqueville wrote about Democracy in America in the mid-19th century, he noted the contradictions and paradoxes in our society, but also incredible hope. And this is what we’re celebrating this year—the hope we and our ancestors have had for 250 years that we can live up to the values put forth in our founding documents.”
Sister Sharon Pollnow, CSA’s General Superior, offered the opening prayer with a similar focus. “May all share in the blessing of this nation and live with dignity, security, and hope. … May this anniversary not only recall where we have been, but call us forward to become a more just, more compassionate, and more unified people.”
Throughout her remarks, Justice Geske reflected on how unity has been vital to the birth and growth of the United States. When reflecting on the development of the Constitution, one sees that factions were just as present in history as they are today. The divides were just as great, but the responses were different. She highlighted the key difference: the Founders were willing to find compromises because their primary concern was protecting the rights of citizens. She shared numerous examples from judicial cases showcasing how that desire for unity has been a constant source of strength for the United States.
Audience members engaged in a question-and-answer session followed by a reception with the speaker. Questions were hard-hitting and conversations at the reception included continued exploration of how we can be part of creating spaces of hope and unity.
The next speaker, Sister Dianne Bergant, CSA, will talk about unity and diversity from a theological perspective on September 17.
Missed it? Watch the recording!