In the documentary Rebel Hearts, directed by Pedro Kos, a trailblazing group of nuns in 1960s Los Angeles, The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, bravely stood up to the patriarchy of the Catholic Church fighting for equality, their livelihoods, and their own freedom against an all-powerful Cardinal who sought to keep them in their place. Cheer on the sisters during a FREE screening of Rebel Hearts, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021, and panel discussion with several Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHC) members from that era, as well as members of the Rebel Hearts filmmaking team.

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Bold acts of faith, defiance and activism by the IHC nuns turned the Church upside down, helping to reshape our society in ways that continue to resonate today. From marching in Selma in 1965 to the Women’s March in 2018, they challenged the notion of what a nun and a woman were supposed to be. Anita Caspary, Helen Kelley, Pat Reif, and iconic pop artist Corita Kent were devoted to a life of service, not only to other but to themselves—forming a community that empowered each sister to live up to her fullest potential. Their desire to bring the church into modern life was met with forceful opposition at every turn. As each of them discovered their own talents and voices, they full stepped into their roles as leaders in a movement that is still making waves.

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LA VOICES is made possible in part through the generous support of Visionary Women.

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