Vol. XXXIII, No. 7 USA- January 2015
Remembering our 125th anniversary as a Congregation, we continue to rejoice in gratitude as Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit. Last year we remembered and celebrated; we looked back at the history and stories of our Congregation. Just as Mary hastened to visit her cousin Elizabeth to share her joy, we also organized different events, moments to share the joy of God's faithfulness to us throughout 125 years with family members, friends and acquaintances. At the beginning of this month we celebrated the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of the Lord to the nations. The biblical narrative tell us that the Magi following the Star, went beyond country borders, in order to find and pay homage to the King of the Jews. We, like the Magi, are invited each day anew to follow the Star of Christ and meet him in our sisters and brothers. The Star also invites us to leave our comfort zone and search for the place where the Lord is waiting for us. Do we have courage to follow the Star wherever it leads us? On January 15th we remembered and celebrated St. Arnold’s vibrant faith, steadfast confidence in God, and passionate heart in spreading the Good News of Christ beyond borders. We are grateful to God for St. Arnold’s trust and readiness to listen and to follow the Holy Spirit’s inspirations. As we begin this New Year, let us ask God’s grace to be joyful missionaries, willing to follow the Star, confident that we are “sent by Christ to reveal and communicate the love of God to all people” (Ad Gentes, N. 10). May the life of St. Arnold and his missionary enthusiasm continue to inspire us in our primary task of proclaiming the Good News to all people. Now as missionaries we continue to celebrate and to look forward to the future. We journey together strengthened in the Holy Spirit and pray that the Holy Triune God may live in our hearts and in the hearts of all people. Sr. Monica Mabel
Rejoicing in Gratitude: 125 Years We in the Paraclete Province did a kind of double celebration for our Congregation’s 125th anniversary. We all recognized December 8th as THE day and united with our Sisters around the world in praising God. However, since many of us were in school and/or at work that particular Monday, we as a Province celebrated big time on Saturday, December 13. Everyone could then join in the festivities of gratitude and joy.
Preparations for this common celebration began in true SSpS style: ahead of time. We reflected as communities in mission on what we experienced as the deepest characteristics marking our Congregational growth in these 125 years, characteristics of our founding generation that are rooted in us and expressed by us today. A summary of our reflections formed the substance of our intercommunity sharing on December 13 accomplished via computer technology.
In the Provincial House,
the celebrations began with Morning Praise after breakfast. This service echoed our call to worldwide mission as various sisters presented flags from the many countries where we as SSpS minister. A short break followed the songs, psalms, and prayers of jubilee. The Techny community, joined by community members from Epworth, New York, Rogers Park, Memphis, Grayslake and Waukegan, then honored our unity in diversity through various cultural dances and songs—and especially through home-cooked foods. The morning closed with the entire community, including Sisters from Maria Hall, coming together for a festive dinner. The afternoon activities began with a meeting of Sisters from all over the Province: the Caribbean and the Continent! This was possible through modern technology of conferencing via computers. The faith sharing groups of the Techny Community and each of the local communities shared their reflections on our SSpS growth in mission over the years. To do this, they used stories of their experiences, descriptive phrases, and/or examples from Scripture.
Following the Province sharing session, all in Techny gathered in the Convent Chapel for the Eucharistic Liturgy. The theme of the liturgy, “REJOICING IN GRATITUDE: 125 YEARS,” was aptly expressed in this service that combined Vespers with the Eucharistic celebration. All recalled again that our mission is worldwide through the entrance ritual where five sisters, representing the five continents, presented symbols of life and joy. The members of the PLT in their reflection brought together words of inspiration and gratitude as they traced our call as SSpS through the past and into tomorrow: Gratitude for the Spirit working in us and through us. A meditative dance as the community sang the Magnificat captured the sentiments of all after Communion. The day closed with an evening meal followed by a free recreation. Sr. Judy Vallimont
2
Welcome Sr. Margaretha Ada! We warmly welcomed Sr. Margaretha Ada from Flores, Indonesia on January 1st, 2015. After some days at the Convent she will join our community in Epworth for English Studies.
Sr. Margaretha has a temporary appointment to the Paraclete Province in the USA for further studies.
Mid-South Ride for Sight on October 25, 2014, which turned out to be a beautiful warm fall day. I, along with 60 or more motorcyclists, would ride along the back roads of West Tennessee and head south on a short cruise into Delta country and then venture up to a fancy boat on the Mississippi. All riders met at our final destination to a celebration party at Mud Island River Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.
“I will do anything for Cathy and Tom.” Those were the words uttered by the fan club members of Dr. Cathy Schanzer and her husband, Tom Lewis. This loving Memphis couple operates free eye care clinics in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Serving some of the poorest people in our world, Cathy and Tom began their work in Africa in 1988, helping to restore sight to people who would otherwise remain blind from cataracts or other eye problems. Modern health care facilities simply do not exist for millions of people who live out in the “Bush.” I was among those who uttered those words to Cathy and Tom: “I will do anything for Cathy and Tom.” Tom’s answer to me was, “Are you sure?” I replied, “Sure!” Then I was asked to be the Grand Marshal for the Charity Ride for Sight
I had the best ride of all, not on a motor bike, but in a beautiful Cadillac and then onto the boat rides. Of course, I met all of the bikers who had paid their registration fee for the Charity Ride at a wonderful breakfast prepared for us at the Harley Davidson Store. After a few hours, we had lunch at the original Gus’ Fried Chicken restaurant and then later on ate dessert at home. We also visited the museum and final resting place of the “Roots” author, Alex Haley. I had mastered my “royal wave” by the time I leaped onto the waiting boats!
As I entered the harbor, I saw the bikers and others who had joined the charity event waving to me. It turned out to be a grand celebration ending with $100,000 of Grand Prize Drawings, dice winner prizes, silent auctions, raffles, hot food, cold drinks, music and entertainment with WMC’s Channel 5 Joe Birch. My final words were a prayer of thanks! Sr. Rose Martin Glenn
3
Thanksgiving Gathering On Thanksgiving morning, Srs. Aprilia, Uloma, Salud, and Rose Therese went to have a Thanksgiving meal with the homeless at St. James in Arlington Heights. Sr. Uloma wrote this reflection: “The things I learned from them as I was passing out the food was that it could have been me that day. They aren’t much different from any of us. As I conversed with some of them, I found out that some of them had their Masters degrees, some served with honor in military, while some held well-paid positions. They had hope for things to get better but illness, mismanagement of their money that exceeded all insurance claims, divorce that stripped their families and money led them to lose loved ones. These made them to create their new traveling companion in the family of drugs, and friends of alcoholism as their life companion in their journey because they felt that God had abandoned them.
saved, instead, he fell into drugs, started missing work and got laid off. They are my instruments for my spiritual journey: their courage, friendly hearts, caring, openness to share with me and their support for each other.”
helps me to grow in my love of God, neighbor and all of God’s creation. Even though it sometimes isn't easy because of my limitations, I still learn a lot from Mother Mary. Her open heart makes everything impossible become possible in God’s hands.”
Sr. Skolastika joined the Thanksgiving Gathering on November 28-30th and shared this about the recollection on Advent: “We were invited to enter into our hearts and find a model for us during the advent time. We also were to find a star for ourselves that could guide us during advent. I felt united in the Junior community. I was very happy because I found Mother Mary as a model for me. She is very humble and really opened herself to God’s plans. I also need the Star of Openness. In my reflection, I found that "Openness" is really an important attitude as a religious missionary because it
Sr. Aprilia shared about our session on Our Mission in the South: “In the first session, Sr. Elwira Dziuk shared about the history of our mission in the South, starting from 1906 when we founded a mission in Vicksburg. The stories went to other missions we opened in Jackson, MS in 1909 until the last mission in North Carolina which was opened in 1989. The presentation also showed the Sisters who were involved to open these missions. Some of these Sisters are still living with us. This has brought us to know better about those Sisters and their works.
One decided to move on with his life after all the disappointment in his business; had a new job at a new state where he had no transportation; he made a tent close to the job and walked every day to work. He was expecting to move into an apartment from the money he
4
Thanksgiving Gathering (continued) In the afternoon session we had an opportunity to listen to some mission stories in the South from Sr. Priscilla Burke, Sr. Mary Helen and Sr. Marie Angela. It was a very enriching and encouraging session for us listening to their experiences. They shared a lot of wisdom with us. These were really great. From them we learned
that being a missionary means to be comfortable with who we are, especially in a culture which is different from ours. We have to give ourselves totally and meet, teach and learn from them from where they are. And most of all, as a missionary we have to be able to work as a team. We need collaboration with the people
around us and trust that they are also the instruments of God’s love and peace.” Other highlights of the Thanksgiving Gathering were a movie, Namesake, which showed the story of an Indian couple and the changes they experience in coming to New York and having children. Sr. Aprilia shared about her CrossCultural Experience in Chile and we ended with a farewell for Sr. Aprilia before she goes to Australia for her tertianship. Sr. Aprilia Untarto, Sr. Uloma Akpa, Sr. Salud Osornio, Sr. Skolastika Wea, Sr. Rose Therese Nolta
Waukegan Celebrates Closing Year There is the traditional saying that all good things must come to an end. At our provincialate in Techny, we had a number of great celebrations during the past year, but the most outstanding ones were the opening and closing celebrations commemorating the 125th anniversary of the foundation of our congregation, the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in Steyl, Holland by St. Arnold Jansen, SVD. Previous to Techny’s final celebration on Dec. 13, our small community, Waukegan-Grayslake, decided to have a closing celebration on Dec. 6. We invited the priests in our area and sisters and friends who work with us in our efforts to make God’s Kingdom more visible to God’s people. The celebration began with Holy Mass in our small, packed chapel. This was followed by the usual delicious meal. Not all took off after all the laughter died down. How could an evening end without the traditional game of cards and how can we not always celebrate when God has been so good to us? Sr. Helen Marie
5
Sr. Margaret Simon Turns 100! On December 27th, we celebrated Sr. Margaret’s 100th birthday. Her brother George and his wife and niece came to celebrate with Sr. Margaret. She enjoyed the Community and her family’s company. Sr. Margaret Simon is the third oldest of eleven children born in Union Grove, Wisconsin. She entered the Holy Ghost Convent 80 years ago— on her 20th birthday. Congratulations Sr. Margaret!!!
A Day of Magnificat in Memphis A long awaited day for the Catholics in Memphis dawned on All Saints' Day. The Magnificat Day 2014, held in Memphis, TN, gave thousands of believers a tremendous opportunity to enter more deeply into the very Christian way of life that calls everyone to holiness and joy. Representatives from 37 states converged at the Cannon Center in Memphis to mark this occasion. It was the first time such an event took place there. This gathering was the third in the series. The first one was conducted on the theme ‘The Day of Faith’ and took place in November 2012 in Orange City. The second one was organized with the theme ‘The Day of Joy’ in November 2013 in Philadelphia. The main purpose of these events is to reach out to as many people as possible with Jesus’ message of Love and help people grow in faith and live a committed Christian life.
The “Magnificat way of life” is modeled on Mary’s Magnificat. Through this unique program the participants came together to celebrate the unconditional and joyful “Yes” that Mary gave to God’s invitation to be the Mother of God. The members of the ‘Magnificat way of life’ resolve to live and give Jesus to the world as Mary did in her life. Simply put, the ‘Magnificat way of life’ is a daily Christian life, dedicated to
participating in and sharing God's Truth, Beauty, and Goodness in all their forms. The various programs conducted during the meeting were spectacular. They included music by the Memphis Symphony, Gregorian chants by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, and other breath-taking performances. The concelebrated Eucharist was presided over by J. Terry Steib, Bishop of the Memphis Diocese. After Mass, there was a procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament, the relics of St. Therese of Child Jesus, her parents and Blessed Louise and Zelie Martin through the streets of Memphis. This was done with a view to promote the sanctity of couples and families and to help the people of Memphis to reach out to Jesus and to invite them to live a Christian way of life. The key speakers during the public meeting were Fr. Robert Barron, creator and host of the Catholicism DVD series and Fr. Peter John Camerson, OP, Editor in Chief of Magnificat Publication. Fr. Robert focused on the importance of All Saints’ Day and he emphasized the seven saints. Fr. Peter reflected on the parable of the woman at the well and the springs of water. The day’s events were telecasted live on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Sr. Ancy Jacob
6
Welcome Sr. Maria! Welcome to Sr. Maria Rosa Busson from the Province of Misiones, Argentina. She joined the community of Antigua on January 10, 2015 for an experience of 10 weeks. She will be doing ministry with the Hispanic community.
National Conference: Resource Center for Religious Institutes Participation in the National Conference: Resource Center for Religious Institutes, November 4-7, 2014, in St. Louis, MO was not only a great occasion to learn, discover, get motivated and deepen my knowledge of financial and legal aspects of Religious Institutes; but also an occasion to relate to a variety of people. There were some 480 participants and many exhibitors that provide services and expertise to religious communities. Among those with whom we deal frequently was an investment firm with headquarters in St. Louis. The manager of our portfolio arranged for us to visit their offices even though it was after the normal business hours. To our great surprise the three of us: Sr. Judy, Lisa Tsuji, and I were led to the office of the cofounder and CEO who awaited our visit. Ted explained the
philosophy of this family run business which focuses on the person. Even though there are thousands of employees, he makes sure that he meets every person that is hired because, in addition to professional expertise, there needs to be synergy between the firm’s goal and the person’s goal, which is to value the client. A great deal of attention is placed on knowing each investor’s goal and purpose. No wonder respect is an expected virtue! Ted did not stop there. He coupled respect with humility. Respect for others builds on humility. He recalled from his youth, discovering his father cleaning the floor in a public restroom, when they stopped for a break during a trip. His attitude toward us certainly indicated that he learned well the lesson and lives by it. How often we associate investment
managers with the ‘show off smart guys’ that speculate, play with our money, and ultimately with us. How good it is to know that there are managers and leaders in the industry that live by values that we espouse. The evening brought us another confirmation of the client-oriented financial culture as we met a manager very passionate about his work and his place in the market. He inspired me with his wide knowledge of some companies he invests in because he authentically takes an ownership in them for a long time. He is committed to them and trusts that their business plan is able to withstand economic cycles. What great lessons for us missionaries to be ‘totally invested’ in what we believe in. Sr. Dorota M. Piechaczek
7
The Convent Welcomes the HeartZingers On Sunday, November 16th, twelve HeartZingers, residents from Misericordia along with Bob and Madge Erlenbaugh, joined us at the Convent for dinner and a performance. This has been an annual November happening for over ten years. The whole group has grown so large (over 55), that Bob and Madge bring the bus full each year and we get to meet different residents in each of the performances. Bob plays the guitar and Madge helps several members of the group to “sign” the words to the music. Both Bob and Madge taught in the Chicago Public Schools and now volunteer their time and talents for many hours each week at Misericordia. It is always an enjoyable afternoon for the Sisters and the group from Misericordia and puts all of us in the holiday spirit. We are told that the Convent of the Holy Spirit is their favorite place to come! Sr. Priscilla Burke
Inter-Community Juniorate Gathering On September 13, 2014, Junior Sisters, Aprilia Untarto, Uloma Alpa, Salud Osornio and Yina Ni, as well as Sr. Rose Therese Nolta, participated in an Inter-Community Gathering of Temporary professed and Newly Finally Professed Sisters at Joliet Franciscan Center in Joliet, IL. The theme of this gathering was “Being Visible to and Reaching Out to Those Living on the Margins.” The gathering started at 9am with breakfast and Morning Prayer and then continued with the panelist presentation with Sisters from 3 Congregations: Sr. Rosemary Fonck, OSF, Sr. JoAnn Persch, RSM and Sr. Therese O’Sullivan, IBVM. Sr. Rosemary, Sister of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Joliet, shared about her ministry with the poorest of the poor in Mosses, the southern part of Alabama. This area is famous for the name, Alabama’s Black Belt. She works at Good Shepherd Catholic Center, a ministry of the Edmundite Missions. Sr. JoAnn, RSM shared her journey of work in peace and justice which has led her to working with immigrant issues. She started and helps run a visitation program at the McHenry County Jail and prayer at Broadview
Staging Center in Illinois as well as many other accompaniment programs. Sr. Therese runs St. Martin de Porres House of Hope in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. She founded this house in 1983 with her fellow sister, Sr. Connite Driscoll, to provide shelter for homeless women. Over the years, House of Hope evolved into a total recovery program within the shelter as they realized the cause of homelessness was addiction to alcohol and drugs. It is now a safe and secure recovery home where women work on their sobriety. The presentation of these three panelists was closed with a question and answer session. It was a very fruitful day for all of us. We have learned and have heard directly from the people whose hearts go out to reach the oppressed and marginalized. Their actions have burned in our hearts to continue our mission and answer God’s call to serve God’s people in this land. We left the center with joyful hearts. Sr. Aprilia Untarto
8
Employee Christmas Party From the early morning of Sunday, December 7th, the community and dining rooms were dressed in green, red, and gold. By mid-morning the aromas of food delicately permeated the air because the chefs and assistants were diligently keeping the stoves, fryer, grills, ovens, steamers, and I don’t know what else, busy. Not long after, guests started to arrive, and though I see them almost daily, there were moments of uncertainty… “Who is this elegantly dressed person?” It is wonderful to notice the differences: the chef in a suit instead of the usual black uniform and tall white hat; blue apron substituted by a formal dress, hair tightly bound under a cap, loosened and styled; sterile nursing uniform exchanged for a Christmas outfit. It was a privilege to welcome almost all the employees and many members of their families at our Annual Employees Christmas Party! Christmas is known as the traditional time of giving, so we
engaged in both giving and receiving. The party was another occasion to become aware of this mutual gifting. No doubt, we benefit from the fruit of the services of our employees, yet we prize most their understanding and aligning with our values and beliefs; their skills and kindness, their patience and willingness to help In turn, we heard how much the employees value the homelike atmosphere, calmness of the environment, gentleness, and being appreciated. The seven long-term awards for 35, 25, 15, and 10 years of dedicated service attest to these feelings. Thank you Victoria, Elisa, Graciela, Maria Adela, Silvia, Maurilio, and Levar! Harmonic tones of Christmas music filled the rooms while words and feelings sang a song of reciprocated love. Isn’t that what each of us most wish to get for Christmas? Yes, there were some gifts ex-
changed and much gratitude expressed but I was most touched when the next day, one of the Sisters came to thank me for the way the Convent treats the employees. I could tell she was very proud of who we collectively are. But this is not the end, because soon after a group of employees called me to give a gift to us in recognition for who we are to them and other people. Sisters, let us be proud of the people that work for us and with us. Respect, esteem, sensitivity to the needs of others, appreciation, and sharing are surely our shared values! During this Christmas Season and the year ahead, let us be a little like Jesus in His birth, who gave of Himself, not just that one time, but He has never stopped giving since. Sr. Dorota Maria Piechaczek
9
Sr. Evelyn Enters the Novitiate On January 1st, we gathered in a simple but solemn celebration to mark the formal entrance of Evelyn Lobo into our Novitiate. As a novice of our province we send her to take part in the novitiate in Rome to learn about and share the life and mission of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit..
Congratulations Sr. Evelyn!
Through the Eyes of a Grill Summer months traditionally are a time for family reunions and visits. While on the mission appeal trip in the Diocese of St. Cloud, MN, we, Srs. Mary Miller and Dorota Maria, were very much aware that we travel through the land that is home to many of our Sisters. It would be difficult to visit the many families. We decided to pay a visit to the Poor Clares. We were happy to meet Sr. Agnes, sister of our late Sr. Lucille and Sr. Mary Angela, grandniece of Sr. Engratia. The visit was very lively and joyful even though we had to replace a hug or even a handshake with a symbolic ’finger touch’ because of the tight grill that divided us. The Sisters were interested in our missionary life and community life, while we continued to ask them about their way of living and following the Lord. The diversity of the ways we serve the Lord and are present to our brothers and sisters weaves a marvelous picture.
A later reflection about the Sisters life behind the grill led to question, who really is behind the grill? For them we were behind it separated from a world that is so much a part of their lives. Perspective changes everything. There is no need to see and feel a grill, a separating wall, to have a different viewpoint, see things from another perspective, have disparate opinions. Am I able to allow others to view matters from their standpoint? Can I see the beauty of enriching complementary views or opinions? It might not always be so easy since ‘I know for certain that the Poor Clares are behind the grill not I.’ Yet, such a visit with them might change my way of viewing things. Sr. Dorota M. Piechaczek
10
Christmas at the Life Learning Center On Wednesday, December 17th we held our last gathering of the year with our students at the Holy Spirit Life Learning Center in Rogers Park. The students came to the Center with delicious food to share, mostly traditional Mexican food, their families, and full of Christmas spirit! Like every year, we began to collect toys, books, stuffed animals, board games, and other small things a few months back. Thanks to the generous donations of caring individuals we were able to wrap and put these gifts under the Christmas tree for the children.
Sr. Judy Vallimont, executive director, gets ready to distribute presents to the children.
Two weeks prior to the celebration, we held a series of intensive classes, including a daily sewing class, English, daily computer classes, and knitting class. Even though the regular term had ended on November 21st, we wanted to continue to provide a safe place for individuals, especially women, to come together and feel supported. Our next term begins on January 12, 2015. We are very grateful to have been able to serve the communities of West Ridge and Rogers Park for another year. We look forward to another wonderful year with the Sisters, volunteers, staff, and clients at the Holy Spirit Life Learning Center. Ms. Arantxa Martinez, Case Manager
One of the HSLLC’s students (right) with her son, sister, and niece.
Students with their children take a moment to pose with Sr. Angelica Oyarzo Chavol.
Time to eat! We thank our students for preparing delicious food to share.
11
For Your Prayerful Remembrance Our Deceased:
Sr. Betty Tranel’s brother, Fr. Dan, passed away. Please keep their family in your prayers.
Sisters Make Baskets for Shelter
Intercultural Living & Spirituality Fr. Roger Schroeder, SVD, came to the convent on November 19th for dinner and a talk. The subject was “Intercultural Living and Spirituality.” He showed us the difference between multi-cultural (tolerance), cross-cultural (onedirectional), and intercultural exchange. This intercultural enrichment is what our 14th General Chapter is challenging us to embrace. There was a good exchange of some experiences which the sisters have had in their missionary lives. Fr. Roger also told us about the history and possible future of Anthropos which could also involve SSpS members. Sr. Pat Snider
HSMA Prayer Event
A group of Sisters helped make baskets to donate to a woman’s homeless shelter.
Sandy Recovery Conference On October 15 2014, Sr. Gladys Smith met with Faith in New York along with its allies from Community Voices Heard and Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Councilman Mark Treyger, NYC Councilman Donovan Richards, and Director of the Mayor’s Housing Recovery Office, Amy Peterson. The meeting was held at the Sandy Recovery Opportunity and Resource Fair, to connect New Yorkers who have been impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Over 400 people attended this event in New York City.
On Saturday, November 22, twenty members of the Holy Spirit Missionary Association gathered at the convent for a day of prayer. The theme was “An Advent Journey.” Fr. Ed Peklo, SVD gave some excellent examples of the journey of the main people in the Christmas story. This was personalized in the afternoon session when Sr. Pat Snider encouraged each one to identify their own journey. A lively sharing followed. People were there from Chicago, Grayslake, Waukegan, and Indiana. Sr. Pat Snider
12
JPIC Corner—January, 2015
Human Trafficking Awareness Month January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. There are more people in slavery currently than ever before. And according to UNICEF, 2 million children are estimated to be sex trafficked each year. President Obama stated, “At home and around the globe, we must continue to fight for human dignity and the inalienable rights of every person... I call upon businesses, national and community organizations, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can play in ending all forms of slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.” We must continue to educate people on the reality of human trafficking in our country and abroad and keep advocating for an end to modern-day slavery. It is vital to recognize the inherent dignity of all people and implicate anyone who is abusing that dignity.
Photo courtesy of www.arlingtonchamber.org
February 8, 2015 is National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking. We recognize this day on the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita because she experienced firsthand the terror and anguish of being kidnapped and sold.
Photo courtesy of USCCB
13
JPIC Corner—January, 2015 (cont’d) “There is No Such Thing as an Illegal Human Being”
Photo courtesy of USCCB
January 4—10, 2015 is National Migration Week and this year the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) has designated the theme “We are One Family Under God.” According to the USCCB press release on Dec. 31, 2014, “The celebration of National Migration Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the hardships faced by migrants, including children, refugees and victims of human trafficking.” It also helps remind us of the struggles that immigrants face both in getting here and living here, as well as the value of family which transcends borders and laws. Family members are too often separated from one another in the migration and deportation processes and we need to keep in mind that those are our brothers and sisters too. “We are all created equal in God’s image,” said Bishop Eusabio Elizondo, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration. “There is no such thing as an illegal human being. During National Migration Week we should not only pray for our brothers and sisters who are marginalized but also advocate that protections are provided to them, for they need them most.”
National Migration Week began over 25 years ago by the US bishops to honor the wide diversity of cultures in the Church and of the people the Church was serving. So this week, especially, let us not only pray for migrants, but advocate on behalf of them, so that we may ease their struggles and reunite them with their families.
Photo courtesy of USCCB
14