Written
by: Sister Marge Clark, BVM
June 6,
2013
A storm was brewing from the tropical storm which moved east of us;
nonetheless the Nuns on The Bus were warmly received by the Sisters of the Holy
Family for a quick dinner before going off to the friendraiser at Holy Angels
Convent.
The crowd
of a couple hundred - mostly Sisters - was warn and enthusiastic. Archbishop Gregory Aymond opened with a prayer and brief reflection on our responsibility
to provide justice and welcoming for those who have been unable to find justice
in their homeland - reminding us of our social teachings. He ended by saying he
would be following the Sisters.
Sister
Clarita provided a fascinating history of immigrants in this very diverse place,
where native peoples were joined in the 17th century by the French and the
Spaniards. Since then, many other European, Hispanic and Asian peoples have
come. Most recently, the area benefitted from the help of immigrants in the
rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina.
Sister
Simone spoke to the necessity for immigration reform, and the need for
constituent advocacy with their members of Congress. I talked about the body of
Christ being complete only if all are part. Sister Elaine reminded us how great
a part of our economy is our immigrant population.
We were
joined by members of the organization of day laborers, some of whom shared
their stories of insecurity and of having been detained. They are now given a
very short time to get sufficient support to convince authorities that they
should be allowed to stay.
This was
my first event of this trip, I expressed our oneness as the body of Christ, and
our responsibility to honor and support and care for all members of our body.
The body cannot be complete unless all members are present.
Many
cards for members of Congress were filled out, and more were taken to share
with others at home or at work.
The evening was a wonderful, energizing event.
[We
were also so pleased and honored when we learned that the city council issued a proclamation to
NETWORK for its long years of work on behalf of social justice through the legislative
process!]
