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| Meeting corrections officers in Philadelphia |
But if we see
the pope’s visit primarily as words and we continue to move forward without
acting differently, his visit will have been in vain. The true
message is that we do not need the pope to move us forward. Sure, he has been
an incredible messenger, but many of our holy writings, from many of the
various religious traditions, contain these themes of mercy, joy and
compassion. Take your pick. It is up to us to “move love forward” as the pope
challenged us to do.
I was part of
a group of people who gathered in Philly for the pope’s visit to remember those
in our nation whom we do not see. Some say the opposite of love is hate, but
it’s actually apathy and that we do not see one another. Many times we choose
to look the other way as being involved takes energy and perhaps a change of
heart. Besides, ‘other’ people are doing that work.
ISAIAH of
Minnesota and People Improving Communities Through Organizing organized events
to coincide with the pope’s visit grounded in the gospel and inspired by a man
who is helping us see those for whom society has removed from its vision.
ISAIAH works with faith communities toward building economic and racial equity.
We marched
through the streets in prayer, calling attention to violence and racism and
income inequality. We listened as Cardinal Peter Turkson from the Vatican
Office of Peace and Justice reminded us that God created light first – and that
we must be about bringing that light to others. We heard Pope Francis’ speech
on immigration, and we celebrated Mass with the pope and hundreds of thousands
of others.
Through it
all we were reminded of who we do not see. So, we go back to our communities to
be more in touch, to have encounters as the pope has asked us to do.
In the St.
Cloud area, those encounters might be getting to know our immigrant neighbors
as you mow the lawn or shop with them in our stores. It could mean you visit
the homeless shelters and get a better sense of who is in them and where help
is needed.
We know
across the St. Cloud school district over half the student population is on
free and reduced lunch. In St. Joseph, we connected with Kennedy school and
found out that this is true for 31 percent of its students. That must mean that
there are needs there that are not being met. How are we seeing them? What can
we do?
Already we
have taken steps to partner with them in support. Over the next 40 days PICO is
calling on all people – not only Catholics – to take part in 40 Days of
Faithful Action. What will you do to continue what Pope Francis started in
Philly? Two options are coming up:
•
“Encountering Our Neighbors” will be 8:45-10:30 a.m. Oct. 27 at St. Francis
Xavier Catholic Church in Sartell.. Come with your questions, concerns, joys or
perhaps fears about our changing community with so many new immigrant and
refugee neighbors. Email stfrancissjcc@gmail.com
for more information.
• “All
Aboard! Getting Northstar to St. Cloud” aims to make sure our voices are heard
in advocating for systems that create more inclusion and opportunity here in
our region! The event is from 7-9 p.m Nov. 12 at the River’s Edge Convention
Center. Registration is encouraged; call 339-1941.
Philadelphia
is the city of “brotherly love and sisterly affection,” which was a perfect
reflection of recent activities there. Now we are home in this community, where
we look forward to working with many of you to continue the work of Pope
Francis’ teachings.
How might we
respond in moving love forward so that our sisters and brothers can be seen and
heard?
This is the
opinion of Molly Weyrens, Central Minnesota Catholic Worker.
Molly is a former member of our community and maintains a close connection with us.
Molly is a former member of our community and maintains a close connection with us.
Photo: Associated Press
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