+ Sister Justine Pinto, OP

On Sunday, November 17, 2024, our beloved Sister Justine Pinto, OP (Sister Michael Marie), a Dominican Sister of Caldwell for 69 years, entered into eternal life at Saint Catherine of Siena Convent at the age of 85. On Monday, November 25th, a wake and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15–10:00 AM, followed by the Mass at 10:00 AM. The mass will be livestreamed here.

Sister Justine received a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Caldwell University before graduating from St. Michael College in Colchester, Vermont, with a master’s degree in theology with religious studies. She was also certified in healthcare management by St. Joseph College in Standish, Maine. 

Always leading by example and caring for those in need, Sister Justine liked to “be the sunshine on those cloudy days.” One of her favorite ministries was at Saint Aloysius Parish, Caldwell, where she was a pastoral associate and the youth minister. She also served there as coordinator of social concerns. Together with others, they assisted families and individuals in need, but, most importantly for Sister Justine, it was “getting to know people personally, recognize them as persons equal to others, and show real concern for them and their families.” Sister Justine also served as administrator at Saint Catherine Convent and Healthcare Center, Caldwell. Another of her favorite ministries was serving as principal and teacher at Saint Virgil School, Morris Plains. She also taught at Saint Mary School, Rutherford; Saint Catherine of Siena School, Cedar Grove; and Saint John the Apostle School, Clark. 

Please keep Sister Justine, her family and friends, and her Dominican sisters in your prayers.