Topic archive
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.
Loretto’s LACC: Advocating for Human Rights, Racial Justice and Building Community
Loretto’s Latin America/Caribbean Committee (LACC) celebrates Black History Month by honoring the intersection between the Black Lives Matter and immigrant rights movements. Migrants throughout the United States and at the U.S./Mexico border face unique challenges as they struggle to maintain…
Flames of love and commitment burn on after war
Standing with the adoptees … now grown By Mary Louise Denny SL There is often a deeply rooted need for a sense of belonging. Susan Carol McDonald SL knew this and made every effort to connect adoptees throughout the world.…
A life lived for the sake of the other
In May 1973, 28-year-old Susan Carol McDonald SL arrived in Vietnam to work with Rosemary Taylor, an Australian nurse who had been caring for orphans and arranging for their adoptions since 1968. Susan, a registered nurse, was asked to take…
On the ground as the North Vietnamese army advanced
Aiding orphans in Vietnam wasn’t new to Ruth Routten CoL, an American Airlines flight attendant who, on her days off, had escorted children from Vietnam to adoptive families starting in 1973. After the C-5A crash in early April 1975, when…
Vietnam: answering the call
‘Get your passport, get your shots; I need help.’ Susan Carol McDonald SL to Mary Nelle Gage SL in June 1973 The Vietnam War gave rise to thousands of orphans. As husbands and fathers were killed, surviving mothers became the…
Loretto’s Latin America/Caribbean Committee Serves as Beacon of Hope, Force for Change
Loretto has heard the words of Pope Francis as he has worked for years to protect the rights of the immigrant. In his “Message for 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees,” the pope stated, “We ourselves need to see,…
Mexicans Facing Border Issues with Resilience
By Daniella Martell Mendoza Editor’s note: Daniela is a senior at Loretto Academy. Buffy Boesen, her principal, asked her to write about the problems facing students today living in Ciudad Juarez, México, and going to school in El Paso, Texas.…
Racism, Migration and Climate Crises: Three Great Challenges of Our Time
“I Am the Way,” the Loretto Constitutions, #66, calls us to do this: “The spirit of the poor proclaimed by the Beatitudes demands more than our generosity and detachment. It does demand these, but it further demands a sharing in…
Catholic women pursue pro-life values at the border
Published by the National Catholic Reporter February 18, 2021 While most young adults look to the entertainment industry for models to emulate, 23-year-old Elyse McMahon turns to a more idyllic model: the Beatitudes. Gleaned from 16 years of Catholic education,…
LACC Spotlights Attention on Seeking Justice for Immigrants, Migrants, Farmworkers, Detainees & Asylum Seekers
The Latin America/Caribbean Committee (LACC) is pleased to present its daily Facebook messages on immigration reform, support and humanitarian help at the border, migrant justice, advocacy for farm workers, detainees and asylum seekers to energize us and sustain our commitment.…
Immigration Nation
Some people have described the year 2020 as being the worst one of their lives and that they could hardly wait until 2021 was born! Yet 2020 has also brought blessings such as the opportunities to participate in the many…
Loretto Community Statement on U.S. Supreme Court DACA Decision and the Urgent Need for Reform of U.S. Immigration and Asylum Laws
Members of the Loretto Community rejoice in yesterday’s (June 18, 2020) DACA decision from the U.S. Supreme Court because it removes the immediate threat of deportation for 700,000 of our neighbors and friends. We are grateful that the Court’s majority…