Immigrants and Refugees
Loretto strongly advocates for the needs of our neighbors and holds a special place in its heart for immigrants, migrants and refugees. We join with the universal Church is seeing the goodness of all people and welcome all with open arms. We tell the story of the immigrant to all who will listen and speak up on behalf of human life. Learn about our Justice and Peace work.
As she talked toward me in the middle of the bus station, the first thing I noticed was the long bright red sweater pulled down tightly over her very pregnant body. Looking at her bright, dark eyes, almost perfect complexion and wide smile, no one could have guessed that Maura had just stepped off a…
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Refugees arrive at one of 10 Annunciation House (AH) sites in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) buses from the El Paso detention center. Ours was the Soluna Hotel. AH would contact our coordinator, alerting him of the imminent arrival of a bus and how many persons were coming, the majority from Guatemala, El Salvador and…
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I spent a week in El Paso helping with the humanitarian crisis of Central American refugees being released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Living in Hawaii, I felt quite removed from the border crisis, and I wanted to know first-hand what was really happening and perhaps why so many people are risking everything…
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Community Group 21 gathered on April 13 to affirm Molly Kammien as she joyously promised to live as a co-member of Loretto, agreeing to support other Community members in realizing God’s peace on earth while continuing to create a community of faith, hope and love. Family, friends, surprise guest add to celebration The Community Group…
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‘. . . one of the volunteers told me if I wanted to see the face of God and the suffering Jesus, this was the place to be.’ Claudia Calzetta SL Immigrants were assigned two families to a room at the La Quinta motel where Alicia Ramirez SL volunteered upon her arrival in El Paso…
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In early October 2018, the number of asylum seekers coming into El Paso began increasing dramatically. Annunciation House needed more volunteers to assist with serving these people. Sisters from many religious communities began coming and needed housing. After the convent closed and rooms were converted to offices, there were still 14 rooms that were saved…
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“I’ve been given so much. Whatever I am able to return, I am grateful for the opportunity to do it.” Mary Margaret Murphy SL, Loretto’s new Vice President, laughs as she recalls some of her Machebeuf High School friends talking about entering religious life. Back then, her retort was “Thank you, God. That’s not for…
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Recently I returned from volunteer work helping immigrant families at the El Paso/Juarez border. I wish to share the remarkable story unfolding there. I had been reading accounts in Interchange of the dramatic needs at Annunciation House. These stories moved me to begin sending shipments of clothing and toiletries to assist immigrants arriving after arduous…
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By Mary Jean Friel and Mary Helen Sandoval The Latin America/Caribbean Committee sponsored a trip to the Mexican border at Nogales, Mexico. We led the excursion. Due to the strong support of the administrative team of St. Mary’s Academy (SMA), six staff members were able to participate, and the Loretto Volunteer Program sponsored two women.…
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This #NationalCatholicSistersWeek March 8-14, will you #StandWithSisters in serving, advocating for and walking with the most vulnerable and marginalized communities in our society; caring for our common home; standing firm against racism and oppressive systems at work in our world? #NCSW19. Irma Avila SL, pictured above, is among those featured in a social media campaign…
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For some time now Loretto Community members from the Motherhouse and Louisville have been meeting the 3 p.m. “Sunday Bus” that comes from Texas with immigrants who are going to various places in the northeastern United States. We bring them water, something to eat, warm clothes or blankets and welcome them for about 20 or…
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Irma Avila will be among those featured in a social media campaign celebrating the myriad ways women religious and their supporters stand up for social justice in our communities. The “Stand with Sisters” campaign will run during National Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14) and throughout the remainder of the month. Ministries to be highlighted include…
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