Incarnate Word Family Supports Immigrants

"You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot stop the spring from coming.” ~ Pablo Neruda 


In these challenging political times, let us remember the strength of life and community. In light of immigrants and refugees who seek to enter the United States, Incarnate Word Sisters, Staff, Associates, past and present students of UIW, people working as interns with Incarnate Word Foundation in St. Louis, and people associated with the CCVI Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee gather with others holding up international law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and principals of Catholic Social Teaching on the dignity of human beings. UIW students concerned about vulnerable children who are suffering have been gathering resources to help them.

Right corner: Maria Antonietta Maria Berriozábal, 

first Latina to serve on the SA City Council and IW friend. 

Next row: Sarwat Husain, UIW Alumni of Distinction 

and leader in the Council on American Islamic Relations CAIR, 

Catherine Ciarrocchi, IW alum, artist, and advocate.

Many of the problems have been created by unjust economic structures. Each of us is called to examine how we are part of unjust structures and how we can have influence in transforming these. While we call attention to current problems of family separation, let us commit ourselves to creating positive solutions to root causes of these problems.

Monica Cruz, former CCVI JPIC Committee Member and
Director of the UIW Ettling Center for Civic Leadership

In St. Louis, Aly Escaobar and Alexa Maradiaga 

spent their free time assisting with a 

“Families Belong Together” demonstration. 

They are summer interns sponsored by 

the Incarnate Word Foundation. 

Alexa is from UDEM in Monterrey, Mexico.  

Aly, a Cardinal Community Leader from the University of the Incarnate Word Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, who recently graduated wrote, “The March for Families was moving. Even the heat advisory couldn’t keep St. Louis from going out to show their disapproval about the separation of children from their families.  Filled with many emotions and awed by the stories shared, a DACA student stood in the middle of the crowd of marchers and expressed that every drop of sweat was worth it as it symbolizes the sacrifices and hard-work of families who are seeking better lives for their children.  

As a Latina who has always had the loving support of family, I cannot fathom a world where children are being ripped away from the security of their parents/guardian’s arms. It’s easy to feel powerless during a time like this, where nothing seems to make sense, however we must push past the evil and remain hopeful. We are stronger when we all stand in unity and defend the dignity of all humans.”

Jennifer Reyes Lay at
St. Louis March and Rally

Jennifer Reyes Lay, the Assistant Director of the CCVI JPIC Office, also attended the "Families Belong Together" rally and march in St. Louis on June 30th.  She shared, "My Catholic faith and incarnational spirituality tells me that Christ is present in every person, especially those who are suffering and marginalized. How we treat those crossing the border is how we treat Christ himself. We are called to welcome the stranger, share what we have generously, and love unconditionally, honoring the dignity of each of God's precious children. 

The current policies and actions of our government toward immigrant and refugee families is immoral and inhumane. I believe that I and all people of faith and good will have a responsibility to speak out and take action to stop injustice when we see it. I was proud to march with thousands of others in St. Louis who are standing up for the values of compassion, human dignity, love, and justice."

Donations collected by UIW students

In San Antonio at the University of the Incarnate Word, Dr. Emily Clark’s summer World Literature class donated 6 boxes of toys, books, and blankets to send comfort and love to refugee children at the border in Texas and beyond. In the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, again and again teachers and learners are finding that service to humanity is way to more deeply understand the humanities and vice versa. Dr. Clark wrote, “While reading about immigration and displacement, the crisis unfolded at the border and UIW students wanted to do something to help those little ones in need.”

U.S. Rep Lloyd Doggett at
San Antonio Rally

Sister Jean Durel attended the rally in San Antonio, TX, as over a million people in over 700 places demonstrated on June 30 with the “Families Belong Together” movement. Several speakers at the San Antonio rally stressed the importance of voting, among them U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett. Doggett said that "it is not enough to just come to a rally, citizens need to get involved, volunteer, and VOTE. It didn’t take 14 days to separate children hundreds of children from their parents and it shouldn’t take that long to reunite them."

Kathy Zeringue Schmidt (lower right corner) 

Incarnate Word Associate at the Vigil for Humanity

Sr. Corrine Walsh, Sr. Mary Margaret Bright,
and Sr. Eilish reminding all “Make America GREET again.”

Photo by Sr. Elizabeth Riebschlaeger

Sister Elizabeth Riebschlaeger who also attended the San Antonio rally wrote that as two persons were packing up to leave after the rally, “I just took a quick picture of their shirts without reading them. I was stunned, but delighted when I later saw the picture and read them left to right. Perfect combination!! Deus providebit!” (image to the right)

Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, Chair of the CCVI Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation of Committee read the CCVI statement at “Family Separation: A Panel” on July 2 at the Barshop Jewish Community Center in San Antonio. The panel included a pediatrician, an attorney, a pastor, and a social worker. 

The CCVI statement says,

“We, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas, oppose and condemn the unjust implementation of the ‘zero tolerance’ immigration policies.  Our values and the Gospel of Jesus Christ impel us to reject completely any policy that ignores and defiles the dignity of the human person and uses the most vulnerable among us for political purposes. 

Donna Guerra, CCVI Archivist, Sr. Francine Keane,
Sr. Corrine Walsh, Sr. Jane Farek, Sr. Mary Margaret Bright,
Sr. Eilish Ryan, Sr. Marichui Bringas joined several hundred
people in front of San Fernando Cathedral at the
Vigil for Humanity on June 24, 2018, in San Antonio, TX .

We join our voices and our concerns with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the Catholic Health Association, and many other organizations, denominations, and faith and civic leaders in condemning this policy.  We urge members of the United States Congress to act immediately to halt the unjust, immoral and unconscionable implementation of this policy.”

Written by Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI 

Sister Story: Sr. Walter Maher CCVI

While Sr. Walter Maher CCVI is the newest member of the Congregation’s International JPIC Committee, she is certainly not new to the work for peace and justice.  A Sister for over 50 years, she currently serves as the Vice President for Mission and Ministry at the University of the Incarnate Word.  She has been in that role since 2009 after leaving congregational leadership, and it is evident when speaking with her that she has a deep passion for the work she does to share and inspire the CCVI mission in others. 

For Sr. Walter, “Justice is not separate from mission; they are one.  Justice is about looking around, knowing what the concrete needs are, and figuring out how I can respond.  That’s our mission.”  And it is with great joy that she shares this mission with students, staff, faculty, and administrators at the University through various formation programs and opportunities. 

In addition to formation, another very important part of Sr. Walter’s ministry is facilitating the life of prayer and worship at the University.  She sees this as the real work of the University: to inspire students, faculty, and staff through opportunities of communal prayer and worship, in order to understand the heart of the mission and identity of the University and allow that inspiration to move them forward.  She also brings in the writings and messages of the global Catholic Church, reflecting on recent encyclicals and tying in the theme of the Year of Mercy to retreats and reflections last year. 

Sr. Walter believes that the shared life of prayer and worship can transform, and encourages all to participate, even those who aren’t Catholic, because they are one community.  The dignity of every student, of every religion, is respected and uplifted in an active inter-faith council at the University as well.  Sr. Walter says, “We can all come together, knowing we are working for the common good.”  What a beautiful lived example of social justice for our world! 

With a long history of ministry in education since she entered the Congregation, it is no surprise that Sr. Walter loves her work with students.  Just as she shares her passion for mission and ministry, the student’s passion for working for justice in the world inspires her as well.  She is particularly excited about one dream that became a reality last year when the University became a Catholic Relief Services (CRS) designated university.  There were about 30 students who attended an all-day training about CRS, and left full of energy and commitment to this work.  Some of the current foci of the group are on climate change, fair trade, and migration. 

She is also inspired by the dedication of the faculty and staff to the mission of the University.  Currently she is working with faculty of the graduate level programs to integrate Catholic Social Teaching into the curriculum.  There is a group of 20 people who gather together to reflect on issues of social justice from the lens of Catholic Social Teaching on a personal, communal, structural, and global level. 

When reflecting on her many and varied responsibilities in her ministry, Sr. Walter acknowledges that she is, “all over the place, but the power of presence is so important.  I really see my ministry as a ministry of presence.  As a representative of the Congregation I hear students, staff, and faculty acknowledge how important my presence is and that I’m not afraid to jump in where needed, doing what needs to be done while always keeping the larger vision of our mission present.”  This is also apparent in her open door policy.  She always has an open door for anyone in need to come in, share with her, and together they can help figure out a response to any problem as it arises. 

Even with her many responsibilities and busy schedule at the University, Sr. Walter was still willing to say yes when invited to serve as a member of the Congregation’s International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee.  She brings with her an open heart, and many years of experience serving in diverse communities and responding to a variety of needs.  She sees this as just one more way she can continue to serve the Congregation which she says has so richly blessed her own life.   

Thank you Sr. Walter for your “Yes” to collaborate with the International JPIC Committee, and for all of the passion, love, and humility you bring to your ministry with the University of the Incarnate Word.  What a blessing to all who benefit from your many gifts, shared so generously!   

Sister Story Highlight: Sr. Mary Kay McKenzie

This month’s featured sister is our dear Sr. Mary Kay McKenzie.  Sr. Mary Kay joined the Congregation in 1958.  She grew up in Normandy, MO less than two miles from where she currently lives.  Sr. Mary Kay was educated as a math teacher, and served in that capacity for the majority of her life.  She has taught high school math at Chappelle High School in New Orleans, St. Mary’s High School in Amarillo, TX, Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis, MO, and taught 10 years at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL).  After a long teaching career she worked with Habitat for Humanity in St. Louis as their project manager for five years, and then did similar work in East St. Louis for another five years. 

Given her long history teaching in high schools it is no surprise when Sr. Mary Kay says that she loves teenagers.  She especially loves working with teenagers who initially feel defeated, and she can accompany them in building up their self-esteem and creating a bigger vision for their lives.  Although Sr. Mary Kay is officially retired, she still dedicates four days a week to working with teenagers as a math tutor.  Two days a week she is at Incarnate Word Academy and two days a week she is at Innovative Concept Academy. 

Innovative Concept Academy is a high school created by Judge Jimmie Edwards as an alternative for youth who have gotten in trouble with the law rather then send them to jail or juvenile detention.  This is concrete response to mass incarceration and the school to prison pipeline.  Those who are kicked out of traditional schools have the opportunity to continue their education instead of entering the criminal justice system.  Speaking about her work at ICA she shares, “I enjoy helping where it’s really needed.  I love when these kids who’ve been put down in school their whole lives start catching on and realizing how smart they really are when they get the right support and encouragement.” 

Sr. Mary Kay has also been a member of the International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Committee for the past three years.  She enjoys the opportunity this provides her to build and strengthen relationships with members of the Congregation in Mexico and Peru as well as practice her Spanish.  Outside of the JPIC Committee she gets to do this work as an English tutor when Mexican and Peruvian sisters come to St. Louis to learn English.

As a member of the JPIC Committee Sr. Mary Kay was a lead organizer for the St. Louis workshops on Laudato Si and Sustainability last year, as well as the workshop on Human Trafficking two years ago.  She also helps set the goals of the JPIC Committee each year and supports the JPIC Office in meeting those goals.  Inspired by Laudato Si, Sr. Mary Kay is working on building her own rain barrels to collect and save water, and assisting other sisters who are interested in doing the same.  

As you can see, her passion for helping where it’s needed extends beyond the classroom to the various JPIC projects of the Congregation.  She is a gift to all who know her and are blessed to work with her, and we are grateful for her service on behalf of young people and on behalf of JPIC throughout the world!  

International JPIC Committee Meeting in Mexico City

Members of the CCVI International JPIC Committee met together for their semi-annual in person meeting in Mexico City, Mexico October 28-30, 2016.  The International JPIC Committee is chaired by Sr. Martha Ann Kirk and contains members Monica Cruz (San Antonio), Sr. Walter Maher (San Antonio), Sr. Mary Kay McKenzie (St. Louis), Sr. Covadonga Suarez (Mexico City), Sr. Maria Marquez (Monterrey, MX), Sr. Ana Luisa Prieto (Chapantongo, MX), Agustin Rios Velez (Guadalajara, MX), and Victor Mendoza (Chimbote, Peru).  Serving as ex-officio members of the Committee are Sr. Katty Huanuco (Lima, Peru – Director of JPIC Office) and Jennifer Reyes Lay (St. Louis – Assistant Director of JPIC Office), as well as Sr. Jean Durel as the GLT liaison. 

The JPIC Committee spent two full days together reflecting on the past year of JPIC work within the Congregation, particularly in light of the new JPIC Office, and planning for the coming year ahead.  In the plans for the year ahead it was agreed that the Congregation would continue its focus on human trafficking and care of creation, as well as give special emphasis to education and action around building a culture of nonviolence and just peace.  In the area of human trafficking, we are excited by new networks to combat human trafficking forming in Mexico, as well as ongoing work and collaboration through our networks in the U.S. and Peru. 

In the year ahead we will work toward implementing our corporate action for creation: ensuring that at least 50% of all materials used in meetings are environmentally friendly.  The JPIC Office will be preparing resources to assist those who plan meetings/events within the Congregation to ensure they are taking active steps to meet this goal. 

Our renewed focus on nonviolence and just peace comes out of reflection and discussion of the Nonviolence and Just Peace Conference held in Rome earlier this year.  We unite with Catholics around the world in committing ourselves to build our own skills and capacities for peace building as well as encouraging others to the same.   The JPIC Office will be sharing more information and opportunities to engage this topic throughout the coming year.  We encourage you to check out https://nonviolencejustpeace.net/ for more background information and resources. 

As always, we desire to be in communication with all members of the Congregation, ministries, and collaborators in our communities.  Please let us know your thoughts, hopes, and concerns regarding our collective work for justice, peace, and the integrity of creation.  We are here to serve the Congregation in living out its mission to bring the healing presence of Jesus to the world.  Thank you for your prayers, support, and trust in carrying out this holy work together! 

The Call of the Forest

(by Victor Mendoza Barrantes)  I live in a port town whose bay, before the “fishing boom,” was called the “Pearl of the Pacific.”  So much beauty in its water, sand, and beaches which can no longer be enjoyed because of our own harmful actions toward it.  The richness of its ocean was over-exploited by the characteristics of “savage capitalism.” Today the contamination of the land, ocean, and air prevails.  And this great beauty, can no longer be enjoyed up close, only observed at a certain distance.  This is Chimbote, Peru. 

From my position as a human rights lawyer, director of the Social Justice Commission of the local diocese, and in recent years a member of the International JPIC Committee for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI), the words of Pope Francis constantly resonate with me, “What kind of world do we want to leave those who come after us, to the children who are growing up?” (LS 160).  An urgent and pertinent question about the future of our common home which is highly contaminated and impacted by excessive consumerism and the lack of respect for life in general. 

My responsibility, as a response to the question of Pope Francis, consists in organizing and executing actions that lead to reflection and awareness of what is happening to our planet.  Also, together with other people and institutions, getting the attention of government authorities regarding the urgent need to save our planet.  That is why we are organizing our local participation in the 8^th Pan-Amazon Social Forum in Tarapoto, Peru in 2017.  This Forum will include themes of alternative paradigms and processes of resistance; territory, earth, and identity; climate change and food sovereignty, as well as consider the model of neocolonialism and its impact on the rights of indigenous and pan-amazon populations, including the rights and political participation of indigenous and pan-amazon women.   

Approximately two thousand people will participate from the nine pan-amazon countries and from solidarity groups throughout Latin America and the world in general.  There will be representatives of organizations from indigenous communities, women’s organizations, organizations working to fight climate change, social organizations, centers of investigation, and members of the civil society in general. 

It will be a great opportunity to contribute to saving our common home and to continue to reflect on the meaning and value of life. “Why are we here?  What are we working and struggling for?  Why does the earth need us?” These are the questions Pope Francis leaves us with. 

We must act before it is too late.  I don’t want the Amazon or parts of its territory to end up like by beloved Chimbote.  

Compartiendo con la comunidad Musulmana en México

Erhan Cokcoskun, Director de Relaciones Públicas; Mustafa Cevik, Director General y Osman Karaca de la Comunidad Musulmana- Turca en la Ciudad de México, nos recibieron como Comité Internacional JPIC de las Hermanas de la Caridad del Verbo Encarnado en el Centro Internacional de Lengua y Cultura Turca, Anadoludkm. 
Ellos compartieron con nosotras(os) su trabajo en educación y su amplia experiencia en varios países como la India, Camboya, Turquía, y ahora México. 
Durante la cálida hospitalidad, Erhan nos compartió los valores que aprenden y comparten con otras creencias. Y cómo el Corán les sigue inspirado en su trabajo por construir un mundo con mayor paz y sin violencias.
'Ha sido realmente una experiencia maravillosa, porque este encuentro de amistad fue sentir un pedacito de cielo aquí en la tierra. Reafirma nuestra opción por el diálogo. Esa escucha que es capaz de encontrarnos mejor y sentirnos más hermanas/os'.
Cabe mencionar, que los tres anfitriones son miembros del Movimiento Hizmet inspirado por el líder musulmán, Gülen quien es respetado internacionalmente por su enseñanza sobre la construcción de la comprensión, el respeto, la tolerancia y la paz en el mundo. Para obtener más información sobre la Hizmet (Servicio) y Movimiento Gülen, consulte en español http://es.fgulen.com y ver en Inglés http://www.fgulen.com/en/.  
En el pasado, Gülen se ha reunido con el Papa y otros líderes religiosos importantes para construir puentes y unión en el trabajo por la paz.

Puede conocer más acerca de su trabajo y del Centro aquí: www.anadoludkm.com.mx.

Estuvimos presentes: Víctor Mendoza y la Hna. Katty Huanuco de Perú;  Jennifer Reyes, Mónica Cruz y Sister Martha Ann Kirk de los EE.UU; Agustín Ríos y Sor Anilu Prieto de México; y nuestra amiga Religiosa Franciscana, Sister Maureen Leach, traductora de los EE.UU.

Comité Internacional de Justicia, Paz e Integridad de la Creación (JPIC) 

Escrito por: Sister Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI y Hna. Katty Huanuco, CCVI

International JPIC Committee Meets with Turkish Muslims in Mexico City

Turkish hosts Erhan Cokcoskun, the director of public relations and Mustafa Cevik, the director general, and Osman Karaca welcomed the Incarnate Word Congregation Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee (Victor Mendoza and Sr. Katty Huanuco from Peru, Jennifer Reyes Lay from the US, Sr. Anilu Prieto from Mexico, Monica Cruz from the US, Agustin Rios from Mexico, Sr. Martha Ann Kirk from the US, and Franciscan Sr. Maureen Leach, translator from the US) to the Anadoludkm, the International Center of Turkish Language and Culture in Mexico City, on April 20, 2016.  The hosts had worked promoting education and understanding in several countries including India, Cambodia, Turkey, and now Mexico. Learn more about their work and the center here: www.anadoludkm.com.mx.  

This is part of the Hizmet Movement inspired by the Muslim leader, Fethullah Gulen who is internationally respected for his teaching on building understanding, respect, tolerance, and peace in the world. For more information on the Hizmet (Service) Movement and Fethullah Gulen, see in Spanish  http://es.fgulen.com  and see in English  http://www.fgulen.com/en/ . In the past, Gulen has met with the Pope and other significant religious leaders to build bridges and unite in working for peace.