When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:33-34
I know I haven’t posted for a while, there’s so much I’ve wanted to say but not sure quite yet how to share the experience. I was attending a conference last week in Nevada and didn’t even have access to internet for 7 days. And that in itself was a different experience. It was an eye opening week of walking with others and I’m still trying to find a way to share that with you. But until I can find the words, I’d like share Sr. Loretta’s reflection of being a part of the Nuns on the Bus stop in Atlanta. This was a tour sponsored by Network to share with us the needs of immigrants in this country and a call to us to have a compassionate response to lift up everyone for the common good.
“Nuns on the Bus” arrived in Atlanta on June 5, 2013. There were ten there, one of whom was Sr. Margarita Martin, A.J.C. who works and lives with many immigrants in Athens, Ga.
Their first stop was in down town Atlanta at Senator Chambiss’ office. They were well-received and a sizable group of people joined them there. Sr. Simone said there were some “hecklers” but they settled down when she began to speak. Her message was as it has been – “the time is now.” She said there was good conversation and discussion.
That evening at 7:00 p.m., there was a gathering at the Good Shepherd Center. This is an organization that works primarily with Vietnamese refugees and immigrants and S. Christine MyHanh Troung is in charge.
At the evening’s rally there were about 50 people who came in spite of a very severe storm, which was very heartening.
The nuns who have traveled with this leg of the journey were all older women, which surprised and gladdened me. Each shared their wonderful story which was very impressive. Sr. Simone Campbell was dynamic in her typically quiet way. She spoke of the growing plight of people from many parts of the world and how imperative it was for all of us to work together. She said Archbishop Gregory had sent a letter of welcome and a representative because he was unable to attend. She also said at the afternoon rally there had been a photographer and a representative from the Georgia Bulletin, the archdiocesan newspaper.
What impressed me most was the beautiful simplicity of Sr. Simone. Her demeanor spoke of “peace with a passion” as did her message. She shared her joy and gratitude to all the sisters who traveled with her. This group is splitting up – some going back to their headquarters and some continuing the journey. From here, they went to New Orleans where they picked up six new travelers and began a 6,500 mile trek going West.
Personally, I was grateful to be with the courageous women who share this journey with Sr. Simone Campbell. Like our “fore-mothers” they carry a strong voice for those whose voices have been silenced. I pray for safety for the sisters, listening hearts for all whom they meet and peace for us all.
On the bus in Spirit and on the path,
Sr. Loretta, CSJ
