Sister Ann Willits, O.P., is a preacher, poet, writer, and lecturer. She has offered parish missions, retreats, lectures and conferences for many years across the world. A gifted storyteller, she uses the power of stories to help people reflect on their own lives and grow spiritually. Sr. Willits made her profession as a Dominican Sister from Sinsinawa, Wisconsin in 1958. After receiving her B.A. from Rosary College, she received her M.A. from St. Thomas University and did postgraduate studies at Marquette University. In the early seventies, Sister Ann was elected to serve for two terms on the General Council of her Congregation. For twenty-one years, she was Director of PARABLE, a national Conference for Dominican Life and Mission, which was sponsored by all of the branches of the Order of Preachers in the United States. She is presently an itinerant, mendicant Dominican, preaching and teaching and continuously rejoicing in the people she meets.
Praise for Ann Willits
“Sister Ann Willits is a widely recognized preacher. She has preached retreats both nationally and internationally… recommend her spiritual wisdom to anyone.”– Donald Goergen O.P.
“Ann is inimitable, one of a kind… Whatever the medium, she is able to move her audience to tears and laughter, awe and acceptance and insight and action, most times, all at the same time. Ann’s lectures are a must.”– Sr. Margaret Ormond, O.P., Prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace
“Sister Ann Willits has a rare combination of wit and depth. She makes us laugh as she takes us through the deepest and most human experiences.” – Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.
“Sr. Ann Willits, OP, is one of the finest speakers that I have had the opportunity of hearing in the last few years. Her knowledge of her subject as well as her ease of presentation, engagement of the participants, her ability to challenge and her fine sense of humor make for a wonderful experience of a truly superb preacher.” – Mary Sue Kennedy, O.P., Executive Director of the Dominican Sisters Conference
Jan –
Compelling, insightful, and wonderfully received!
Thank you for your brilliant insight into the spiritual needs of women. My parish staff has chosen this series as an enrichment activity, and we are captivated and engaged in this spiritual journey. Sr. Ann’s gift of storytelling is the perfect way to illustrate the power of the Word to a group whose study of scripture covers a broad experiential spectrum. Women who serve in ministry are particularly prone to neglect their spiritual enrichment, and Sr. Ann’s lecture series has drawn us together in vibrant discussion of how we meet God in our lives. Thank you again for publishing this wonderful series.
Mike Grawe –
Stories are the best!
I love to hear and tell stories. These lecture were great!
Rene, NY –
Fall Survey: October 2016
I am hearing impaired, but Sister spoke slowly enough for me to understand. I like the way she inserted stories. When she asked “Where is home to you?” I drove to the home where I grew up, parked and renewed many wonderful memories.
Anonymous –
Winter Survey: January 2017
I find the retreat to touch the hearts of people who trust their experience as a way to go home to God….as a way to remember, understand and long for unconditional love and peace.