In this episode of “The Other Streets of Philadelphia” we follow Sister Bernadette Kinniry, a Catholic nun who formed the spiritual wellness group Siloam. Our hosts, Mia and Mariel, help share Sister Bernadette’s story, as well as her words on prejudice, the Catholic Church, and spirituality. In this episode, we use Bernadette’s own words to illustrate her journey of quiet feminism and education to help those affected by the HIV/AIDs crisis by giving care to their spiritual needs. Using the Oral History Testimony of Sister Bernadette Kinniry from the John J. Willcox Jr. Archives, as well as outside sources, our hosts place Sister Bernadette within the larger context of not only the HIV/AIDS crisis but also the faith-based community that formed to support those affected and their families.

Time Guide:

00:00 – Intro by Summer and Michael; reflection on gender, patriarchy, and recent news

involving Carmelite nuns

04:49 – Transition to Sister Bernadette’s story and the founding of Siloam

05:30 – Segment 1: Bernadette’s early religious formation, awareness of her own biases, entry

into the Sisters of Mercy, and pivotal experiences at Project HOME08:26 – Segment 2: Overview of faith-based organizations in Philadelphia’s AIDS response;

collaborative ethos of ActionAIDS, Philly FIGHT, and St. Luke’s

11:47 – Segment 3: Bernadette’s advocacy for compassionate care, challenges to Church

doctrine, and the story of "Christ with AIDS"

15:02 – Segment 4: Creation and continuation of Siloam, the importance of holistic wellness, and community efforts to keep the center open during funding threats

For extended show notes

For bibliography

For transcript