SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 Bimonthly publication for sisters, associates and companions of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
The Door of Mercy Stands Ajar: Photo Essay from the Sixth Institute Chapter
also in this issue:Deporting Our Blessings: Accompaniment and Solidarity in a Time of Fear
Being There: Companioning Persons at the End of Life
F E A T U R E S
5 TheDoorofMercyStandsAjar:PhotoEssayfromtheSixthInstituteChapter
By Catherine Walsh, Northeast Communications Team
10 DeportingourBlessings:AccompanimentandSolidarityinaTimeofFearBy Jean Stokan, Institute Justice Team
14 BeingThere:CompanioningPersonsattheEndofLifeBy Sister Patricia Talone
C O L U M N S
4 Justice|Living Laudato Si’ in Mercy By Marianne Comfort, Institute Justice Team
16 VocationandIncorporation|Coming Home By Sister Kristine Marie Violango
D E P A R T M E N T S
2 CommunityUpdate Compiled by Mercy Communicators
17 SpiceofMercyLife|To Re-member By Sister Marie Micheletto
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7
Table of Contents
BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR SISTERS, ASSOCIATES AND COMPANIONS OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS
PublisherInstitute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas 8380 Colesville Road, #300 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910-6264 tel 301.587.0423 [email protected]
Editor Lauren Albright [email protected]
Design and Production RoundPeg
TranslationMany thanks to our translators!
Advisory BoardSisters Anne Curtis, Camille D’Arienzo, Kathleen Erickson, Diane Guerin, Patricia Kenny and Pat Talone. Anne Boyle, Sue Carroll, Liz Dossa, Elizabeth MacNeal, Beth Thompson and Cathy Walsh.
Articles or portions thereof are protected by copyright laws and therefore cannot be reproduced or reprinted without the permission of ¡Viva! Mercy and/or the author.
Visit www.sistersofmercy.org for highlighted articles from this publication.
¡Viva!Mercy is printed on acid free, elemental chlorine-free paper containing 50 percent recycled content including 15 percent post consumer waste.
A large wooden door standing ajar at the front of the Chapter gathering room in Buffalo illustrated our Chapter’s theme and symbolized our world’s need for mercy. Read more on page 5.
page 10 page 14page 5
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 1
DearSisters,Associates,CompanionsandMercyVolunteers,
“At its deepest level, communication is about communion. We are already one but we imagine we are not. What we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are.”
—ThomasMerton
Inourearlydaysasateam,weappreciateandhonorthegiftofourSixthInstituteChapter,whichhasbestoweduswitharoadmap,adistillationofpriorMercyinsightsandlongingsandasacredinvitation.Ourconversationspauseoftenonthesectioncalled“Relationships”inourChapter 2017 Recommitmentwherewehearthecalltoreverence,toavail,toheal,tocon-template,tointegrate,tosimplify.ThesewordsaboutrelationshipareacalltocommunioninthemannerthatThomasMertonsuggests:theworkofrecoveringouroriginalunity.
Duringtheseearlymonths,wewillbeexploringourownonenessasateamand,inturn,willlookforopportunitiesto
engageyouascreativelyandeffectivelyaswecan.Weknowthatourfuturedependsonthequalityofourrelationships,andwearecommittedtonourishingourbondsassisters.
Atthesametime,werecognizeouronenesswithoursufferingworld,andwedesirecommunionwithallwhothirstandhungerforjustice.Again,whatthatwilllooklikeneedsourreflectionandshaping,butourcommitmentisfirm.
AtChapter,weheardthewords“oneness,”“communion”and“unionandcharity”often,andspokenwithgreattenderness.Howmightallofusembodyoneness,com-munion,unionandcharityinourdailyinteractionswithoneanother?HowmightwecareforoursufferingEarthandallitsinhabitantsinasimilarmanner?ThatisourworkasMercypersonsandasfollowersofJesus.ThatisourworkforthisnextphaseofourJourneyofOneness.
MercyDayappearsrightonscheduletoremindusofthis“originalunity”withCatherine,withthosewhoarepoorandwithJesus,whoasksustobeonewithallsufferingpeople.Maywecelebrateandembracethehospitality,thefervorandcompassionateheartthatopenedthefirstdoorofMercyatBaggotStreet.Mayourcontinuedprayersbe,borrowingaphrasefromSisterMaryWickham,anAustralianSisterofMercy,to“holdthedoorajar”foroneanother,forthebroken-heartedinourmidstandforthefuturepleasofourworld,wherever“lifecriesout”(CCASAAssembly).
InMercy,
From the Institute Leadership Team
The InsTITuTe LeadershIp Team (From left) Sisters Patricia Flynn, Judith
Frikker, Patricia McDermott, Anne Marie
Miller and Áine O'Connor.
Community Update
2 ¡Viva! Mercy S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17
C O M P I L E D B Y M E R C Y C O M M U N I C A T O R S
SOUTH CENTRAL
KENZIE UHR OFMountSt.MaryHighSchoolinOklahomaCity,Oklahoma,wonthegrandprizeinthe#MakeMercyRealvideocontest.The$500awardfor“ChangetheNarrative,”focusingonhumantrafficking,waspresentedMay17ataschoolassembly.IsabelStaudt,alsoofMountSt.Mary,wastherunner-up,winning$250for“BetheChange.”Nearly50studentsatMercyschoolsandministriesacrossNorthAmerica,SouthAmerica,CentralAmerica,Guam,JamaicaandthePhilippinesproducedshortvideosdemonstratinghowto“MakeMercyReal”bylivingtheCriticalConcerns.Youcanviewthewinningvideosandsixthatreceivedhonorablementionsonlineatwww.sistersofmercy.org/contest.
MercyMedicalCenterinBaltimorereceivedthe2017Women’sChoiceAward,distinguishingitasoneofAmerica’s100BestHospitalsforPatientExperience.It’sthesixthconsecutiveyearMercyhasreceivedtheaward,signifyingitsrankingamongthetop100hospitalsofsimilarsize.
NORTHEAST
TWO SISTERS AREembarkingonnewbeginningsintheNortheastCommunity.OnJune11,SisterMarthaMulliganwashonoredataMassandreceptionfor25yearsofserviceasprincipalatMercymountCountryDaySchoolinCumberland,RhodeIsland.Amonghermanyaccomplishments,sheintroducedaprograminwhichstudentsvolunteermonthlyatMercyministriesservingpeoplewhoarehungryandhomeless;peoplelivingwithdevelopmentalandphysicaldisabilities;andpeoplewhoareillandelderly.Studentsthenwriteabouttheseexperiencesanddiscussthemwithclassmates.
OnJuly5,theboardoftrusteesofSt.MaryAcademy-BayViewinRiverside,RhodeIsland,announcedtheappointmentofSisterMarybethBerettaastheschool’snewpresident.“ThisappointmentwillensurethatourCatholicvaluesandMercycharismremainaliveandvisibletostudents,alumnaeandtheentireschoolcommunity,"saysSisterJacquelineMarieKieslich,NortheastCommunitypresident.
From left: Kaylyn Pulley, video production and media teacher, Mount St. Mary High School; contest winner Kenzie Uhr; Sister Rose Elizabeth Power; and Talita DeNegri, Mount St. Mary principal.
CARIBBEAN, CENTRAL AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA
THE NEW CCASALeadershipTeam—SistersJulieMatthews,LilianSilvaandAngelinaMitre—metforthefirsttimeJuly17–19inPanama.JuliecontinuestoliveinGuyana,LilianinChileandAngelinainPanama.InOctobertheywillgatheragainfororientationwiththeInstituteLeadershipTeam.
SisterNidiaHuanacuniQ.recentlymovedfromPerutoGuyana,wheresheisstudyingEnglishandassistingatSt.JosephMercyHospital.
InNovemberSisterPatriciaMuldericktakesupherworkasnoviceministerforGuyanaandJamaica.
St.Catherine’sAcademy,Belize,andColegioSantaEthnea,Argentina,havesignedthecovenantaspartoftheMercyEducationSystemoftheAmericas(MESA).MaríaRegina
Institute,Honduras,nowdiocesan,hasalsorequestedtobepartoftheMercysystem.
TheAlternativestoViolenceWorkshopscontinuetobeoffered.AdvancedworkshopswillbeofferedinPeru,February13–21,andinArgentinainApril.
Santa Ethnea directors Maria del Mar Peydro (left) and Josefina Bargo (right) enjoy an outing with MESA Director Sister Lisa Griffith (center).
Sister Martha Mulligan processes into Mass, followed by Liane Jalette, assistant principal, and Sister Marilyn Fanning, fifth-grade teacher. Credit: John DeWaele/LifeTouch.
3S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy
MID-ATLANTIC
DURING THE PASTfivemonths,membersoftheMid-AtlanticCommunityLeadershipTeam(CLT)scheduledindividualin-personvisitswithsisters,startingwiththosewholiveinretirementcenters.ThepurposeofthesegatheringswastodiscusswithsisterstheirfeelingsabouttheJourneyofOnenessandthefuturedirectionoftheInstitute,andtodiscoverwhatgivesmembersenergyandenhancestheirlifeinMercy.
SisterenjoyedtworecentartshowsdisplayingcreationsofthesistersatMcAuleyHallinWatchung,NewJersey,andtheConventofMercyinWhitestone,NewYork.
AtMcAuleyConventinMerion,Pennsylvania,theCLTblessedanewly-installedtranquilitygardenmadepossiblebythecontributionsoftheConnellyFoundationandothergenerousdonors.Inthisquietspace,sisterscanrelax,reflectandpray.
WEST MIDWEST
IN PREPARATION FORtheWestMidwestAssembly(April3–8,2018)Communitymemberswillhavethreeopportunitiesformemberengagement,fashionedaftersimilareventsleadinguptotheInstituteChapter2017.
ThefirstexperienceisnowunderwaythroughDialogueGroups.TheAssemblytheme,“EmbraceMercyAnew”andThe Guiding Principles for AssemblyaretopicsfordiscussionsthatwillendSeptember30.
Thesecondmemberengage-mentexperiencewillbeatthe2017ConsultationNetworkmeetingsinOctoberandNovemberwhenafewChapterdelegates,participantsandmembers-at-largewillofferanopeningreflection.Theirremarkswillleadtogroupdiscussionsofthemeaningof“EmbraceMercyAnew”andourongoingJourneyofOneness.TheWestMidwestElectionCommitteewillhavetimeontheagendaformemberdiscussionandresponse.
Thethirdmemberengagementopportunitywillbeheldinearly2018DialogueGroups.TheWestMidwestAssemblyPlanningCommitteewillfurtherthefirsttwoexperiencesbyofferinganappropriatetopicforgroupreflectionanddiscussion.
NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA WEST
SISTERS OF MERCYinRochester,NewYork,commemoratedthe160thanniversaryoftheirfoundationwithaMassofThanksgivingatSt.MaryChurch,wheretheystarted.AreceptionfollowedshowingthemanyMercyministriesthathaveshapedtheDioceseofRochester.
TheministriesoftheSistersofMercyinFranklin,Pennsylvania,werecelebratedataMassatSt.PatrickChurchandaDonorRecognitionDayattheparishschoolonMay7.
SisterMarySullivanauthoredanewbooktitledA Shining Lamp: The Oral Instructions of Catherine McAuley.
MercyhurstUniversityinErie,Pennsylvania,honoredSistersCatherineEdwardDelaneyandPatriciaWhalenfortheirserviceatitsannualDistinguishedAlumniAwardsDinneronJune10.
St.Michael’sWoodshop,Rochester,startedbytheSisters
ofMercy,celebratedits50thanniversarywithareception,tourandprogramonMay13.
Members of the Mid-Atlantic CLT met individually with each sister over the past five months to discuss their present reality and future hopes. Pictured left to right are Sisters Alicia Zapata, Kathleen Keenan (vice president), Patricia Vetrano (president), Patricia Lapczynski and Patricia Smith.
After nearly 50 years, Sister Maralynn Sciarrino retired on June 15 from directing Buffalo’s Mercy Speech Center in Buffalo, which has closed.
The logo chosen for the West Midwest Community 2018 Assembly was designed by Sister Cheryl Phillips, an artist from Farmington Hills, Michigan. Cheryl explained that the logo features a heart, which symbolizes mercy and compassion, embraced by hands that, through the use of the color green, reflect new life and hope.
4 ¡Viva! Mercy S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17
Living Laudato Si’ in Mercy
J U S T I C E
POPE FRANCIS’ ENCYCLICALLaudato Si’wasacleargifttotheSistersofMercyoftheAmericasinmanyways.ThedocumenthelpsustoseetheinterconnectionsamongourCriticalConcernsandthesinsofgreedandindifferencetoothers’sufferingattheirroots.
RecognizingthisledtheExtendedJusticeTeamtocommitinOctober2016toviewingourworkinthecomingyearthroughthelensofPopeFrancis’challengetousto“careforourcommonhome.”Oneyearlater,it’sgratifyingtoseewhatthishasmeantinpractice.
First,wesetouttonotesomeofthewaysinwhichthepopeexploreseachofourCriticalConcerns.HisfocusonEarthisobvious,andwithsomecarefulreadingMercy’sotherareasofconcerncometolifeaswell.Herearejustsomeexamples:
Anti-racism“Respectmustalsobeshownforthevariousculturalrichesofdifferentpeoples,theirartandpoetry,theirinteriorlifeandspirituality”(#63).
Immigration“Therehasbeenatragicriseinthenumberofmigrantsseekingtofleefromthegrowingpovertycausedbyenvironmentaldegradation.Theyarenotrecognizedbyinternationalconventionsasrefugees;theybearthelossofthelivestheyhaveleftbehind,withoutenjoyinganylegalprotectionwhatsoever.Sadly,thereiswidespreadindifferencetosuchsuffering,whichisevennowtakingplacethroughoutourworld”(#25).
Nonviolence“Whenthefoundationsofsociallifearecorroded,whatensuesarebattlesoverconflictinginterests,newformsofviolenceandbrutality,andobstaclestothegrowthofagenuinecultureofcarefortheenvironment”(#229).
WomenThisisthefirstencyclicalinwhichapopeusesinclusivelanguage,namingbothmenandwomen,exceptwhenquotingearlierdocumentsthatuseonlymasculinenounsandpronouns.
Itdidn’tthentakelongtoseehowtheseconcernsandthewayinwhichPopeFrancisframesthemcometogetherinMercy’ssolidaritywithProtectorsofMotherEarth,indigenouspeoplewhoarecallingattentiontotheimpactsofextractiveindustriesonthelandandwateruponwhichwealldepend.Overthepastfewmonths,MercysstoodwiththeStandingRockSiouxtoprotectfromtheDakotaAccessPipeline.TheyhaveaccompaniedagroupfromtheAmazonianregionofSouthAmericawhovisitedWashington,D.C.,tosharethedireimpactsofextractiveindustriesontheircommunities.Theyhaveadvocatedforlegis-lationnamedafterslainHonduranenvironmentalandhumanrightsdefenderBertaCaceresandpubli-
cizedtheeffortsoftheNgäbepeopleinPanamatopreventahydroelectricdamprojectthatwouldfloodtheirlandandheritagesites.
TheExtendedJusticeTeamwillcontinuetoreturntoLaudato Si’totapitsriches,deepenourunderstandingsoftheinjusticesofourtimeandarticulatetheinterconnectionsamongthem.
—By Marianne Comfort, Institute Justice Team
Marianne Comfort (left) and Sister Áine O’Connor participated in a solidarity march with the Standing Rock Sioux.
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 5
THE DOOR OF MERCY STANDS AJAR:Photo Essay from the Sixth Institute ChapterBy Catherine Walsh
Photos by the Communications Animation Team and Sister Barbara Freemyer
The title of this piece, and the theme of Chapter 2017—“The door of mercy stands ajar”—is a line from a poem by Sister Mary Wickham, RSM.
Time took on special and sacred meaning for 10days in June, as Sisters of Mercy came together
from11countriesandoneU.S.territoryfortheSixthInstituteChapter.Thenearly300sistersattheHyattRegencyHotelinBuffalo,NewYork,receivedprayerfulsupport—and many encouraging messages—frommore than 5,500 sisters, associates and companionsthroughout the Institute, many of whom gathereddaily in groups at motherhouses and senior livingcenterstoreadChapterUpdatesandrevelinthelatestChapterphotosandvideos.
Uplifted by prayer and dialogue, dance and song,sistersinBuffaloimmersedthemselvesintheheartofMercyastheysetdirectionfortheInstituteforthenextsixyears.Alife-sizeDoorofMercynearthecenterofthesisters’largegatheringspaceatthehotelservedasaphysical reminder of Chapter’s purpose. Ubiquitousheadsets,multilingualMassesandprayerservicesandcolorfuldresses fromsisters’native lands—includingGuam, Jamaica, Honduras, the Philippines, Peru,Guyana and Nigeria—served as a reminder of theChapterbody’sinternationalcomposition.
On June 29, Chapter’s final day, the Chapterbody affirmed Chapter 2017 Recommitment: Called to New Consciousness. This document calls for astrengthening of relationships between members,embraces anew the Critical Concerns through thelens of nonviolence, and responds to the cry of oursuffering world in several key ways. It cites theneed for more education and dialogue around genderidentity and sexual orientation; seeks assurance thatfinancial decisions are consistent with the Mercymission and needs; and says that efforts must beintensified to align Mercy investments and valuesandtopursueeducationandactionagainstextractiveindustry practices that destroy people, communitiesandEarth.
Theelectionofthe2017-2023InstituteLeadershipTeam—includingSisterPatriciaMcDermottaspresidentfor a second term, Sister Patricia Flynn as vicepresident, and Sisters Judith Frikker, Anne MarieMillerandÁineO'Connorascouncilors—tookplaceonJune28.
OtherworkoftheChapterbodyincludeddenouncingthe U.S. Senate Better Care Reconciliation Act andholding a Walk for Water, led by representativesfromthenearbySenecaandCayugaNativeAmericanNations,toshowsupportforthehumanrighttowater.
Reflectionsfromthe2017Chapterwillbefeaturedinthenextissue of ¡Viva! Mercy. Please visit www.sistersofmercy.org/institute-chapter-2017/forphotos,videosandmore.
At the close of Chapter, Sister Pat McDermott led the Chapter body in processing symbolically through the Door of Mercy.
6 ¡Viva! Mercy S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17
Upon each singing of “Amen We Affirm,” sisters raised their arms in blessing. Together they blessed the Chapter writers team, the Institute Leadership Team (ILT) candidates and each newly elected ILT member. On the final night, sisters also blessed the staff of the hotel where Chapter was held—much to the surprise of the employees.
After traveling some 8,600 miles, Sisters Rosario Maulas and Virgencita Alegado from the Philippines arrive in Buffalo, New York.
“Dance every evening,” insisted Catherine McAuley, but the Chapter body couldn’t help dancing during the day, too! Chapter dances celebrated cultural traditions, unity and the joy of coming together as one body.
7S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy
7
Sister Judith Frikker (left) shares a joyful moment with Sister Judy Carle.
In addition to prayerful silence and contemplative dialogue at tables, sisters engaged in creative work to help express their unfolding discernment of the Chapter questions.
The Chapter candle symbolized sisters’ ongoing discernment process. To the left is facilitator Kathia Laszlo.
Green cards affirmed sisters’ approval of the question at hand and, at times, their “leaning” on ongoing work. In a beautiful way, leanings changed colors as initial displays of red and yellow cards gave way to green cards as a result of contemplative listening and sharing.
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11
Sister Anne Marie Miller (right) embraces Sister Susan Frazer.
Sister Pat McDermott, reelected as president, presents a Door of Mercy pin to Sister Pat Flynn following her election as Institute vice president.
Following the election of the new ILT, Sister Áine (right) greets Sister Carmen Rosa Callomamani.
Celebrating and blessing the outgoing ILT was an emotional highlight of Chapter. (From left) Sisters Pat McDermott, Eileen Campbell, Anne Curtis, Mary Pat Garvin and Deborah Troillett savor a contemplative moment after receiving beautiful leis from Guam sisters in honor of their Institute service.
Rituals at Chapter expressed the intercultural reality of the Institute. Sisters Nidia Huanacuni and Carmen Rosa Ccallomamani helped to lead the June 22 morning ritual, which celebrated Earth.
9S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy
The majestic Walk for Water, led by Native Americans from several area tribes, brought the Chapter body to the streets of downtown Buffalo to raise awareness about this international concern.
Sister Mary Stanton, chair of the Institute Chapter Planning Team (far right), joins the Chapter body in blessing the writers team: (from right) Sisters Ana Siufi, Cristina Mira, Danielle Gagnon, Judy Carle and Virgencita Alegado. The team carried out the difficult task of processing the many voices and ideas to write the Chapter 2017 Recommitment in two languages.
Chapter’s international choir featured voices and music from across the Institute.
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DEPORTING OUR BLESSINGS:
By Jean Stokan, Institute Justice Team
ACCOMPANIMENT AND SOLIDARITY IN A TIME OF FEAR
Sister Rosemary Welsh (right) visits with a woman at Casa de Misericordia.
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 11
A call came into the Institute Office in late May from an immigrant group in Washington, D.C., as they were preparing a caravan drive to Texas to protest passage of one of the nation’s most severe anti-immigrant state laws.
Rather than the kind of “Nuns on the Bus” call we wereusedtogetting,thisonewasbecauseundocumentedmoth-ersinthecaravanwerefeelingscaredandvulnerable,andasked if“nunscouldgetontheirbus.”Wewerenotabletofindanyoneintheshort36hoursbeforetheirdeparture,but it becameclear thatMercycanplaymanyvital roles inprotectingpeoplewhoareatriskandjoiningsocialmove-mentsastheytakecourageousrisksforjustice.
AscalledforintheChapter 2017 Recommitment: Called to New Consciousness,Mercyisbeingchallengedto intensifyour work for a just and inclusive world. In this momentof history, we are witnessing exponentially greater levelsof violence directed against peoples of color, includingmigrants, immigrants and refugees, from hate speech toa North American version of “disappearing people”—theundocumented.
IntheUnitedStates,theaggressivenesswithwhichthecurrentadministrationisgoingafterimmigrantsandrefugeesisbeingcomparedtotwootherfrighteningmomentsinhistory:the rounding up of Japanese-Americans into internmentcampsinthe1940s,andthedecisiontonotpermitdockingrightstoaGermanship,M.S.St. Louis,carrying900JewishrefugeeswhowerefleeingHitler’sGermanyin1939.
Theadministration’s response to thecurrentmigrationcrisisincludes:raidsandmassdeportationsofundocumentedpersons; a dramatic reduction in the number of politicalasylumseekersandrefugeespermittedtoenterthecountry;infrastructure to further build a “gated empire;” and thepursuitofanewmilitary-ledforeignpolicytowardCentralAmerica reminiscent of the 1980s. There is near zerorecognitionthatdecadesofflawedU.S.economic,politicaland military policies have contributed to producingimmigrantsandrefugeesbythemillions.
Our sisters and associates of the Global South havemuchtoteachthoseofusintheUnitedStatesaboutlivingthrough violence, sustaining resistance movements anddiscerning the harsh realities not often covered in themedia.Andwhilethe“disappearances”oftheundocumentedhappening now in the United States are not by deathsquads,butsupposedly“legal,”thechallengeswearefacingareformidable.
Stories from the Front LineMercy individualsand institutionshavebeenrisingup toboldlydefend immigrants and refugees, including actionsby our educational institutions, healthcare facilities and
social service ministries. While inspiring and moving, itisalsoheartbreakingtohearstoriesfromthosewhoworkdirectlywithimmigrants:
“Undocumented people are afraid to come out oftheirhomesortakepublictransportation.Volunteersoffered to drive them to medical appointments, butnowthevolunteersareafraidthey’llbechargedwith‘harboringcriminals.’”
“All are in a panic. People will not call the sheriffwhen help is needed. DACA [Deferred Action forChildhood Arrivals] youth are worried for parents.Feweraregoingtocollege.”
“Inoursmalltown,smallbusinessesarereallyhurtingaspeopleareafraidtobeonthestreets.”
“OurministryhasbeentrainedtogointolockdownifImmigrationandCustomsEnforcement(ICE)comestothedoor.”
“Ourstaffareatrisk,especiallythosewhoopenourdoors.Onehasalreadybeendeported.”
“Wenoticemanymorepeoplepickedupwhohavebeenhere20to40years.Somehavehomes,businesses,U.S citizen children and grandchildren. They hada brush with the law maybe 15 or 20 years ago.Nowtheyhavebeenput indeportationproceedingsbecauseofit.”
Some of our Mercy community who provide pastoraland legal assistance in detention centers report that newcenters are being opened along the border, as well as inout-of-thewayplacesacrosstheUnitedStates.Othersareoffering“KnowYourRights”workshops,includinghelpingthosewhoareundocumentedfilloutformsincasetheyarepickedupbyICEtoassignwhowillcarefortheirchildren.It is a sad sign of the times that children walking homefromschooleachdayhavetowonderiftheirparentswillstillbethere.
Calls to Solidarity with ImmigrantsGiven this new reality, and reflecting on a spirituality ofaccompanimentthatcangrounduswiththestrengthandcouragetorespondtothenewchallenges,belowaresomeofthe calls to solidaritywith immigrants thatwehavebeenhearing:
Accompanying immigrants to ICE appointments.Many undocumented persons have to present themselvesforregularcheck-inswithICEofficials.Suchappointments
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can take hours. If you have time to volunteer, or canencourageothersinretirementtohelp,thereisagreatneedtosimplyaccompanypeople.Itprovidescomforttopeoplefeelingvulnerableandserves to let theofficialsknow theoutsideworld iswatching.While somepeoplehavebeendetainedduringthosecheck-insand,withoutpriornotice,processedfordeportation,thepresenceofthefaithcommuni-tyalsohasservedtodetersuchaction.Thefirststep,ifyoucanvolunteer,istocontactalocalimmigrant-ledorganizationandofferyourassistance.
Sanctuary everywhere.Beyond four walls to physically house people who areundocumented, thereareavarietyofways thatsanctuaryis being pursued to keep people safe and keep familiestogether.Mercy, andpeople allover, areorganizing localcoalitions to provide urgent support to people who areundocumented: hosting legal clinics and “Know YourRights” workshops; creating rapid response networks incase of raids; and discerning offering physical sanctuary.Therearerisksinofferingspaceforsanctuary,butexcellentresources are available for groups feeling called to takegreater levelsofrisk.Therealso isgreatneedforsupportcongregations who do not offer space, but help by
providing meals, transportation, etc. See resources at:www.sanctuarynotdeportation.org.
Deeper Learning about the Root Causes of Migration.Chapter2017 Recommitmentcallsfora“newconsciousness”and for applying the lens of nonviolence to the CriticalConcerns. This direction is an opportunity to delveeven deeper into the root causes of migration in orderto most effectively focus action in response. If interestedin joining a U.S.-Mexico border or other immersiondelegation, contact the Institute Justice Team([email protected]). Reading resources areposted on the Sisters of Mercy website, including: Furnace of Violence: Honduras, U.S. policy and the Root Causes of Migration—availableatbit.ly/FurnaceofViolence
Understanding Immigration & Refugees within a Historical Context: Connecting our Critical Concerns.This document was prepared by Mercy’s ImmigrantAdvocacy Group (IAG) as background material forChapterdelegates.ItcarefullyexaminesthetheologiesofentitlementandthehistoryoftheChurchincolonization,aswellasoffersanalysisontheinterconnectednessoftheCriticalConcerns—availableatbit.ly/connectingCC.
Otherresourcescanbefoundatwww.sistersofmercy.org/immigration-resources.
Advocacy.While the Trump Administration has called for buildingbroader wall infrastructure at the U.S.-Mexico border, aswellasmassivedetentionanddeportationofundocumentedpersons, Congress controls the purse to fund this plan.It is an important time in the United States to advocatedirectly with your members of Congress and/or attendtown halls and public events where they will be speaking.It’s also important to write letters-to-the-editor inlocal newspapers to say no to funding for the detentionanddeportationapparatus.IfyouarenotalreadysignedupforMercyInstitute’sAdvocacyActionemaillist,pleasedosohere(bit.ly/MercyAdvocacyAction)andyouwillbenotifiedwhenactionisneeded.
Direct support.Immigrationlawyersandthosetrainedinpoliticalasylumlawaredesperatelyneeded.Fundsalsoareneededforlegalhelp,aswellasforthehostofneedsofwomenandchildrenin detention, transportation costs, etc.—particularly inareas where Mercy is ministering with undocumentedimmigrants and refugees. If you want to help by raisingfunds,pleasecontactSisterDianeClyneoftheMercyIAGatdclynersm@gmail.com.Also,ifyouknowofimmigrantsandrefugees, includingthose legally in theUnitedStates,whomayneedassistanceorresources,thereisawealthofinformationavailablethroughtheUSCCB’ssite,JusticeforImmigrants:bit.ly/USCCBimmigrantresources.
Sisters and associates take part in a weekly prayer vigil at Broadview Processing Center in Broadview, Illinois. (Top) Sister JoAnn Persch (holding microphone). (Bottom) Associate Mary Trant (left, holding microphone) and Sister Rita Specht (to the right of Mary). (Photos from September 2016)
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 13
I HAVE BEEN A SISTER OF MERCY FOR 50 YEARS. In 1981, I ministered in Guatemala with sisters from Honduras and the United States and in Chipas, Mexico, with a sister from Argentina. I saw firsthand the situation—how U.S. policies had for years wreaked havoc in Latin American countries, creating violence and fear and compelling so many immigrants to cross the border in hopes of a better life. They did not, do not, want to leave their homes, their kids. They are so afraid, and they see no hope where they are.
One woman with whom I worked was just recently deported. She came from Mexico. Her mother had abandoned her as a teenager, and to feed herself she became a prostitute for a drug cartel. She did not know what they were. She had three children, and the cartel wanted her oldest daughter, who was barely 13, to work for them, too. “I couldn’t put my daughter through this,” she said. She sought refuge in the United States, but was deported along with her kids—the immigration court deemed her too risky because of her association with the cartels. How will she be safe, back in the country from which she ran away?
For those who are not deported, there is constant fear. We find at our clinic that sometimes people who need medical assistance are afraid to drive to the Mercy Clinic. A bill, SB4, went into effect on September 1, 2017, in Texas that asks all
law enforcement to check for papers. People feel like captives in their homes. Of course, at our clinic we do not ask for any documentation. We also operate mobile clinics to bring our health services to people in outlying regions.
Fear of deportation also impacts victims of domestic violence. In 1998 Mercy opened CASA de Misericordia, a domestic violence shelter. Many women here are too afraid to call the police, because they do not have proper documentation, and at times they have no other choice but to remain in an unsafe situation.
We try to educate people to know their rights, understand new laws and know where to go for help. We also organize volunteers to visit the detention centers and if they are able, to offer translation assistance for the pro bono lawyers with whom we’ve partnered to provide aid to those in detention. This benefits all. The volunteers—their lives are transformed by the stories they hear. The staff at the center—they tend to shape up when they know we will be there consistently. And for the women in detention—no matter what may happen, they know that someone cares for them and that good people in the United States are trying to help them.
We have to take every opportunity we can when it comes to helping our immigrant brothers and sisters. Hearts can be changed by this work of Mercy.
CARING FOR IMMIGRANTS: OUR CALL AS MERCY
Sister Rosemary Welsh ministers in Laredo, Texas, as executive director of CASA de Misercordia, a shelter for victims of domeastic violence, and as director of outreach and nurse at Mercy Ministries of Laredo.
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 13
If Not Us, Who? If Not Now, When?This article’s title, “Deporting Our Blessings,” came froma recent vigil in front of the White House. It seemed tocapturenotjustwhowearelosingbecauseofthecurrentpolicyofmassdeportation,butalsowhatwearelosinganddesperatelyneed:thevaluesofanotherculturethatenrichourown.It’sthefaithofimmigrantandrefugeecommunitiesthat is revitalizing many of our parishes; their values ofcommunity,familybondsandhardworkaresadlydiminishingintheUnitedStates.Forthesakeofourcountry’ssoul,aswellasforthedignityofeverymigrant,immigrantandrefugee,wecannotaffordtodeportanymoreofourblessings.
Reflecting on “what is Mercy to do” in this period ofso much fear among our immigrant and refugee sistersandbrothers,wemaybedrawntonewwaysoflivingout
solidarity, perhaps inviting more people to get involved,organizingaccompanimentvolunteersataretirementcenter,participating in public vigils and holding a “Mercy” signtodemonstratesupport,ortakinggreaterrisksintermsofdiscerningcivildisobedienceorsanctuaryoptions.Evenifwe are already involved and feelwe cannotdoonemorething,thechallengemaynotbetodomore,buttodothatwhichtakesmore courage.Ifnotus,who?Ifnotnow,when?
Jean Stokan is on the Institute Justice Team, coordinating work on immigration and nonviolence. She has worked on human rights in Latin America, immigration reform and federal budget priorities to ensure support for vulnerable communities. You can contact her at [email protected].
BY SISTER ROSEMARY WELSH
14 ¡Viva! Mercy S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17
The famous quote attributed to Woody Allen—“I’m not afraid of dying; I just don’t want to be there when it happens”—while typical of many, stands in direct contrast to the Mercy tradition of caring for the sick, especially those who are nearing eternal life. Mercycompelsus to standwithoneanother, expressingGod’s tender love and steadfastness. We live in a pill-popping,iron-pumping,death-denyingepochthatpushesthesickanddyingtotheperipheries,wheretheyareoftenoverlooked. Medical science has advanced beyond thewildestimaginingofthefirstSistersofMercywhowalkedfromtheirconventsdirectlyintothehomesofthesickanddying,bringing food,comfortandprayer topatientsandtheirlovedones.
However, the Mercy allegiance to the corporal worksof mercy is no less needed here and now than it was in19th-century Ireland. One might even argue that thecommitmenttocareforthoseattheendof life isevenmorerequiredinathrowawaysocietylikeours.OneofthecontemporaryandessentialwaysthatfollowersofCatherineMcAuley can carry out this integral aspect of the Mercycharismisbyservingasamedicalsurrogateorproxyforacommunitymemberorlovedoneinordertospeakforthepersonwhenheorsheisnolongerabletodoso.
TheUnitedStateshad formally recognized the roleofmedical surrogates even before the 1990 passage of thePatientSelf-DeterminationAct.Thisactcarefullyinformedpatientsoftheirrightsregardingmedicaltreatmentwhileproviding an opportunity for them to name a surrogatedecision-makertospeakforthem.Earlierreligiouspracticeinstructed that each Sister of Mercy reflect on retreatSundaysaboutherownend-time,directinglifeandministrytowardthemomentwhenshewouldmeetGodface-to-face.Suchcontemplationhelpeddevelopalevelofcomfortaboutendoflifethatcausedsisterstoembracetheopportunitytoensurethattheirmemberspreparedforillnessordeathbynamingasurrogatetospeakforthem.
Being a Surrogate: What Does It Entail?AJuly2017articleinHealthAffairspointsoutthatonly1 in3U.S.adultsfinalizesanadvancedirective.WomenreligiousareamongtheminorityofAmericanswhohavecompleted these documents. However, many religiouswomenserveassurrogatesforoneanotheraswellas forotherlovedones.
Becauselawsregardingadvancedirectivesvarystatebystate, the surrogate document might be called a DurablePowerofAttorneyforHealthCareoraMedicalPowerofAttorney.Inanyevent,asasurrogateforanotherperson,youtakeonasignificantresponsibility.Thecommitmentdemands ongoing communication and dialogue about atopic that isoftentabooorat leastuncomfortable inoursociety. You commit to knowing the person’s medicalwishesshouldheorshenotbeabletoexpressthosewishes.
Decidingmedicaltreatmentpresupposesthatyouhavediscussed and know the person’s religious, cultural andsocialvaluesandpreferencesaswellasherorhisclinicalreality.Evenifonehasknownthepatientforaverylongtime, one may not truly recognize what the individualdesires without having talked about it. I recall an adultdaughtertryingtoelicitfromher95-year-oldmotherwhatMom’s final wishes were. The mother kept saying, “YouknowwhatIwant,”while thedaughter triedherhardesttogethermothertoarticulateexplicitinstructions.IttookquitesometimebeforeMomwasforthcoming.
When one needs to exercise a proxy relationship, thequestion most often asked by medical caregivers is not“What do you want?” but “What would she want inthis situation?” Having an advance directive document
BY SISTER PATRICIA TALONE, PH.D.
BEING THERE: BEING THERE: Companioning Persons
at the End of Life
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 15
certainlyassistsinthisprocess,asdoestheabilitytorecalloccasionswhenthesickpersonexpressedhisorherwishes.Absent a specific indication of wishes from the dyingperson, the surrogate must decide what would be in thisparticular person’s best interest, giving due considerationtotheindividual’smedicalreality,values,preferencesanddeeply-rootedfaith.
Thus, the topic of surrogate decision-making requiresdirectconversation.Itis,furthermore,aniterativeprocess.Whatatage45onemightdeemsufficientoroptimummed-icaltreatmentcanandoftendoeschangebythetimeonereaches85andhashadfirsthandexperiencewithillnessandlimitations.Additionally,thesurrogateorproxyneedstobeable to personally see the sick person with some level offrequency.Thephysicalandmentalconditionofelderlyordyingpatientsoftenchangesquickly.Frequentlycaregivershearananxioussonordaughtersay,“ButIjustsawheronTuesday,andshewasfine.”Theyareexpressingthedesireto return their loved one to that time before the fall orstrokeorpneumonia.
Keep All Families InvolvedIf you are a surrogate decision-maker your primaryresponsibility and concern is, of course, the person whotrustedyouwiththisresponsibility.Butheorshehaslivedafulllifewithinaparticularfamilyorcommunity.Religiouswomen, in particular, have both family and communitywho gather together at a time of crisis. These multiplerelationships can add complexity and communicationopportunitiesforthemedicalproxy.
Itisnotunusualtoreceiveacalltocometoahospitalemergencyroomorintensivecareunitafterthepatienthasalreadybeentransportedbyambulance fromresidenceornursing facility. By that time, the patient may already beintubated even though he or she has specified that theyprefer “no breathing tubes.” If the patient is a religiouswoman,thissituationcanbeevenmorecomplicatedwhena physician enters the waiting room and meets both thepatient’s religious family as well as family-of-origin. Thesurrogate might be in the waiting room with a carefullyprepared advanced directive, but what is her role at thistime? Practically, the surrogate should introduce herselfandsharecopiesoftheadvanceddirectivewithcaregiversandwithotherfamilymembersasappropriate.Forthesakeofthesickordyingperson,itisimportanttoreviewwiththepatient’sotherlovedonesthewishesthatarestated.Ithelps torecall relevantconversationsorexpressedwishesfromthepatient.Suchdiscussionshelptopreventsecond-guessinganddisagreements.
asking important questionsBeforethesickpersonreceivesunwantedorevenunneededmedical procedures, there are some basic questions thesurrogate might ask caregivers. What is the patient’sdiagnosis and prognosis? What is the patient care plan?Whatisthepurposeofthisparticulartreatmentorprocedure?Howdoes itfitwith thepatient’s expresseddesires? If a
treatmentorprocedurehasalreadybeenintroduced,howlong is the trial period? What is the plan for removingthe patient from a treatment that he or she consideredextraordinaryorburdensome?Suchquestionsobligeeveryoneinvolved to stop and consider the best treatment for thisparticularpersonandcanoftenpreventputtingthepatientonatreatmentpaththatisneitherdesirednorbeneficial.
Sadly, it is not unusual that either family members orcareteammembersarenotalwaysincompleteagreementabout thepurposeof a treatment. If the sickperson is inanintensivecareunit,oftenthereareseveralphysicians—anintensivist,apulmonologist,acardiologist,anoncologist—whoarecaringforthepatient.Eachphysician,justaseachlovedone, sees thepatient in adifferent light andbringsa particular perspective to the discussion. Sometimes thephysician has known the person for a very long time.Moreoften,heor shehasbeen called inon a consultingbasis andneverknew thepatient’swishes.This iswhy isitoftengoodfromtheoutsetforthesurrogatetoaskforamultidisciplinarypatientcareconsult.Inthornysituations,onemightaskforanethicsconsult,sinceeachhospitalhassuchamechanismandtheprocesscanenhanceclarityandoptimumpatientcare.
called to companion the dyingPaul Ramsey, Princeton theologian, in his 1970 ground-breakingbookThe Patient as Person: Explorations in Medical Ethics,entitledhisthirdchapter:“OnOnlyCaringfortheDying.” In this section, he eschews modern medicine’stendencytotechnologizethedyingprocessandrecallstheChristiantraditionofagooddeathasanantidotetotheanti-septicandisolatedonesinintensivecareunits.Hearguesthatwhilewemightcertainlydeclineunnecessaryorextraor-dinary treatments, we are always called to “companion”each dying person, exhibiting care and fidelity to oneanothertotheend.
Caring for the sick and dying is not the same today as itwas in Catherine McAuley’s day. But following her steadfastcommitmenttothecorporalworksofmercystillbringscomfortandassurancetopatientsandfamilies.Holdingadurablepowerofattorneytoserveassomeone’shealthcareormedicalproxyisatime-consumingbutlovingandtangiblewayforChristianstobepresenttooneanotherattheverytimewhenlovedonesneedustospeakforthem.EarlySistersofMercysatatthebedsideofthesickanddyingtoshowGod’stendermercytoeachone.Wedothesamewhenweserveinthecapacityofasurrogatedecision-maker. Unlike Woody Allen’s humorous quip, weshowourconstancytooneanotherby“beingthere”totheend.
Sister Patricia Talone, Ph.D., is a theologian ethicist with experience in Catholic health care and education. Most recently she served as vice president of mission services at the Catholic Health Association of the United States. She now consults, presents and writes about mission, ethics and leadership formation. You
can contact her at [email protected].
16 ¡Viva! Mercy S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17
Coming Home
V O C A T I O N & I N C O R P O R A T I O N
On April 22, Sister Kristine Marie Violango professed her perpetual vows as a Sister of Mercy in Gingoog City, Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Shortly after, she traveled to Baggot Street for the Final Vow Experience, an event held by our Institute which welcomes newly professed Sisters of Mercy from across the globe. Kristine shared the following reflection about her experience.
IcouldnotbelieveitwhenwearrivedatMercyInternationalCentre(MIC).IsawthestatueofMotherCatherine,andIsaid,“OmyGod,Iamtrulyhere!”AsIsteppedintothedoorofMICIhadthisgreatexcitementthatfinallyIhavecomehomewithCatherine.
Duringthemeetingintheevening,wesharedourhopesandexpectations.Ididnotbringmanywithme—Iwasopentoanysurprises—exceptthatIhopedthisjourneywoulddeepenmydesiretobeMercyanddeepenmypersonalcharismthatisinlinewithMotherCatherine’s.EverythingthatIfoundanddiscoveredduringmyjourneyamazedmeandaffirmedthatIamtrulyaSisterofMercy.
TheveryfirstthingthatIlookedforwhenIarrivedatMercyInternationalCentrewasthegraveofCatherineMcAuley.IwentoutthenextdaytovisitandofferaprayertoCatherineandaskhertohealme,knowingthatduringhertimeCatherinewasconcernedwiththesickpeopleinDublin.Ihavemuchfaiththatbyinvokingherintercessionshecanhealme.
WalkingthroughCatherine’sDublinhelpedmegainadeeperunderstandingofher.IrealizedthatIcontinuallyencounterherthroughthedifferentfacesofSistersofMercythatImeet—themercifulandcompassionateCatherine,
thehumorousandmischievousnessCatherine,theCatherinethatissotrustingtoGod’sprovidenceandtheever-faithfulandlovingCatherine.IbegantorecognizeallofthisinthesistersIhavemetandthesistersIhaveknown,anditticklesmetoknowCatherinebetterthroughthesewomen.ReadingbooksaboutCatherineismoreexcitingandmoreinspiringnowsinceIhavehadthatexperience—itfeelslikeIamreadingaboutsomeoneIknow.
EverytimeIenteredintoCatherine'ssacredspaceslikeherbedroom,Ifeltherconnectionwithourgroup.Everyexperi-encewastouchingandmemorable,butthereisonethingthatIconsiderthemoststrikingandunforgettableexperience—thiswaswhenwerenewedourvowsatthePresentationConventwhereCatherineherselfpronouncedhervows.Iburstintotearswhileproclaimingmyrenewalofvows,andIhadgoosepimpleswhenIfeltherpresencewithus.
ThespiritofCatherinestayswithus,nurturingandcontinuouslyinspiringustocontinuetheworkshebeganwithsomuchfaithinJesusandtrusttoGod’sprovidence.IfeltsoblessedandevenmoremotivatedasaSisterofMercy.Herspiritissoaliveinus.
—By Sister Kristine Marie Violango
The group gathered for a photo outside of Catherine’s grave. Kristine is third from the right.
Newly professed sisters, including Kristine (front row, second from left) visited Coolock House in Dublin as part of the Final Vow Experience.
To Re-member
S P I C E O F M E R C Y L I F E
Tore-member,toputtogetheragain,issuchanawesomegift.Tore-memberisagracethatcanleadtohealing,change,
conversionandtransformationbothpersonalandcommunal.IsmilewhenI“re-member”thedayGodcamewearinga
bluerunningsuit—thatcolorofbluethathasalifeallofitsown!ItwasaTuesday,two-meetingmorning.Onemeetingstartedat7:00a.m.,thenextat10:30a.m.,andinbetweenwasanhourplusof“freetime.”Ontheroadbetweenthetwomeetingswasthegrocerystore.Iwasawomanonamission:lettuce,bananas,apples,pearsandmelons.
Movingbrisklytowardmygoal,Ipassedanelderlygentleman(aboutmyage)withgrayhair,abluerunningsuitandagreataftershave.Isaidaquick“goodmorning”andmovedalong.
Melons!Iwantedmelons.Hopefully,asweetone.Iknewthebuyingstrategy:pressthebottom,shakeandsmell.MyproblemwasthatIdidn’tknowhowitwassupposedtofeel,soundorsmell.Meloninhand,Ifeltataponmyshoulder.
“Miss,doyouhaveaminute?Iwouldliketothankyou.”(Thechatterinmymindwassaying:“DoIhaveaminute?!Gottogettheshoppingdone!Ineedtogettothenextmeeting.Thanksforwhat?”)AndthenIre-membered“qualityofpresence,”andIsaid,“Yes,ofcourse.”
Hesaid,“Iwanttothankyou.Mywifediedthreemonthsago.Iwokeupthismorningmissingher,feeling
solonely.IwonderedhowIwouldgetthroughtheday.WeshoppedonTuesdays.Idecidedtocomehere—‘ourstore.’PerhapsIwouldseesomeoneIknew.I’vebeenherefor20minutes.Youarethefirstpersonwholookedatme,whospoketome.Thankyou.Todayisgoingtobea‘good-enough’day.”
Hecontinued,“Isawyoutryingtobuyamelon.Iusedtobeinproduce.MayIassistyou?Howmanydoyouwantandwhendoyouwanttoserveeach?”
SoItookhimuponhisoffer.“IwouldlikeonefortonightandoneforFridaynight.”Andsoitwas.
Thenthegentlemanaskedme,“Doyouhaveafewmoreminutes?”(InmyheadIwassaying,“Whynot?Sharethegift.”)“Yes,ofcourse,”Ireply.
Hecontinued,“YoutakethishalfofthestoreandI’lltaketheotherhalf.Let’sgodowneachaisleandstopandgreetthoseshoppinghere.Theymayneedalongandlovinglookandawordofgreetingtohelpthemmakethisa‘good-enough’day.”
Thatman,thatmemory,isaGodmomentforme.ParaphrasingaquotebyRonRolheiser,Goddoescomedisguisedasoureverydaylife.
Watchforthebluerunningsuitthathasalifeofitsownand“re-member!”
— By Sister Marie Micheletto
S E P T E M B E R | O C T O B E R 2 0 17 ¡Viva! Mercy 17
NOVEMBER 2–5Companions in Mercy MeetingSt. Louis, MissouriContact: Connie McMurray [email protected]
NOVEMBER 3-17Collaborative Leadership Development Program 4 Session 3St. Louis, MissouriContact: Kathy [email protected]
NOVEMBER 10–12SOA Watch Border Convergence Nogales, ArizonaContact: Jean [email protected]
NOVEMBER 28– DECEMBER 2Extended Justice Team Meeting Belmont, North CarolinaContact: Maggie [email protected]
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“California Poppies,” by Sister Celeste Marie Nuttman. Watercolor.
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