Sister Act 2 swaps the focus of its predecessor from a sharp and uproarious Whoopi Goldberg to her adolescent pupils in search of their identities. The movie is loaded with more sentiment than slapstick, and critics were quick to condemn the film as a disappointing sequel that lost its way. However, the movie was chock full of engaging performances — from “Get Up Offa That Thing” and “Ball of Confusion” to “Ode to Joy” and “Oh Happy Day” — the soundtrack, and the infectious energy each performer brought to the religious-centric covers, has made the film a contemporary classic. And, of course, we got to witness the one and only Lauryn Hill belt it out. Mixing gospel, rap, R&B, and pop, the music could put a pep in anyone’s step, and it also perfectly juxtaposed the film’s more serious, albeit saccharine moments. With a focus on pursuing dreams, individuality, self-expression, and the power of community, Sister Act 2 boasts a handful of moving, memorable quotes. 

Sister Act 2 premiered 30 years ago in December of 1993, yet the messages in the film are timeless, so let’s revisit our favorite quotes from the movie. 

“If you wake up in the morning and you can’t think of anything but singing first, then you’re supposed to be a singer, girl.”

“You don’t have to be a star. You just have to shine your light, because then, people can see their way out of the dark.”

“I don’t care what anybody says about me. I don’t care what anyone thinks about me. I do care about my students. And that’s what I care about.”

“If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention.”

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“You were born with a gift. If you don’t use it, you’re gonna lose it.”

“The most important thing is to believe in yourself and to never give up. You have a dream, fight for it.”

“The fun is in the takeoff. But the bliss is in the journey.”

“You better recognize! We’re on a mission from God!”

“You can sing anything, child. You can sing the phone book and make it sound good.”

“You have to be true to yourself. You have to be true to your heart.”

“We’re gonna turn this church out!”

“Your love should be contagious. It should be something people crave for.”

“No matter what people say, God has not given up on you.”

“If you wake up and you can’t sing, don’t talk to anybody until you do.”

“We are not alone on this journey. We stand together, and that’s how we’re gonna make it.”

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. The only thing that’s stopping you is you.”

“You can’t just hope for a happy ending. You have to believe in it. Then, you make it happen.”

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” (qtd. in the film; credit: Marianne Williamson)

“You don’t need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are!”