United in Sending Messages of Mercy

Editor: DePaul University in Chicago has developed a three-part video series 'The Sisters Sent a Message...' on the ministry of Mercy Sisters JoAnn Persch and Pat Murphy, long-time compassionate and tireless advocates for the rights of immigrants in Chicago. The videos are created around three themes that describe their ministerial approach: 'perseverance, presence, and prayer.' (Total running time 18:57).

Immigration is one of the Institute of the Americas five 'critical concerns'. Responding to a call by immigrant advocacy groups to draw attention to the heightened threat of deportation for young immigrants in the United States, Sisters of Mercy Institute Justice Team Member Jean Stokan was arrested for participating in an act of civil disobedience at the White House on 15 August.

That same day, in his message released for 2018 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis, the voice of compassion for the world's refugees, outlined his four-step vision for responding to the ongoing global migration crisis: 'welcome...protect...promote and integrate'. The Vatican's migrants and refugee section has also published a comprehensive, 20-point action plan for governments entitled: 'Responding to Refugees and Migrants: Twenty Action Points' and 'Twenty Pastoral points'. Download these documents in English here. Download in Spanish here.

Messages to:
JoAnn Persch rsm
Pat Murphy rsm
Jean Stokan

Image: L-r: Pat Murphy rsm, Jo Ann Persch at presentation to them of the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Award in recognition of women religious in Hispanic Ministry for their efforts at Broadview Detention Center. The award was presented to them the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2009.