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Current Nuns on the Bus information can be found at www.nunsonthebus.org.

News from the Road

Stay up-to-date on our journey for immigration justice!

Closing Ceremony at Marina Park, San Francisco, CA

Written by: Sister Bernadine Karge, OP

June 18, 2013

Fog, fear and freedom were my impressions of the final assembly of Nuns On The Bus for 2013 with more than a hundred persons on the banks of San Francisco Bay overlooking Angel Island and Alcatraz! The morning sun dissipated the usual fog over the bay.

Presentation Motherhouse - San Francisco, CA

Written by: Sister Marilyn Wilson, BVM

June 17, 2013

Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. nine Nuns on the Bus were warmly welcomed at the Presentation Motherhouse by an energetic crowd of over 200. As this was the last evening event before the final closing ceremonies the next day, the focus was on the many break-a-bit-of-your-heart stories that each sister experienced on the sacred pilgrimage across 6500 miles.

St. Mary's Center in Oakland

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

June 16, 2013

Sunday afternoon a crowd of about 100 people gathered to welcome us and to hear of the wonderful services the staff at St. Mary's Center renders to refugees, immigrants and the homeless.

Our Visit to Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill, California

Written by: Sister Susan Maloney, SNJM

June 16, 2013

“The People Rejoice” was my impression of our stop of Nuns on the Bus at Christ the King Catholic Parish.

Moment of Remembrance, Forty Acres in Delano, California

Written by: Sister Susan Maloney, SNJM

June 15, 2013

At Forty Acres, we Nuns on the Bus stopped to pray and honor all migrants who worked in this country. As we stood in the circle of prayer Sister Simone asked each Sister and NOTB friends who were present to share a Scripture passage.

Bakersfield, California

Written by: Sister Susan Maloney, SNJM

June 15, 2013

We were enthusiastically greeted by over 150 people at Yokuts Park in Bakersfield, California. A coalition of labor unions, churches and citizens of Bakersfield met us on a very hot afternoon. Dolores Huerta, labor leader and civil rights activist, spoke to us about the importance of standing in solidarity with each other.

Bakersfield, CA. Rally for Reform

Written by: Sister Ruth King, SSS

June 15, 2013

Our bus arrived at Yokuts Park in Bakersfield around 3:00 PM. Led by Sr. Simone, we Nuns On The Bus joined the over 150 people from local organizations to deliver a message to Congressman Kevin McCarthy to act on “Comprehensive Immigration Reform Now.”

South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project

Written by: Sister Bernadine Karge, OP

June 15, 2013

Let All My People flourish was my impression of our first stop of the Nuns on the Bus. Throngs of people—parents, students, board members, sisters, friends and neighbors gathered on the parking lot to welcome the Nuns on the Bus.

Mercado La Paloma

Written by: Sister Charlene Hudon, SP and Sister Marge Clark, BVM

June 14, 2013

Sister Charlene Hudon, SP: Mercado La Paloma is located in the Figueroa Corridor of Las Angeles. It is in a neighborhood which has a vibrant community spirit and diverse cultural traditions.

Visit to Representative John Campbell’s Office in Irvine, CA

Written by: Sister Therese Randolph, RSM

June 14, 2013

“I had a boyfriend who was undocumented. And one day he was picked up by the ICE. Then he disappeared. He was only trying to support his family back home. That’s why I came to NUNS ON THE BUS. I want to support immigration reform.”

Friendship Park, San Diego

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

June 14, 2013

Friday morning we awoke to the news that the bus had a flat tire. Fortunately, we were staying at the University of San Diego, and were able to borrow two vans to get us to Friendship Park on time. Since the road to the park was narrow and somewhat rocky in spots we realized that the flat tire was a bit of a blessing.

Mecca

Written by Sister Marge Clark, BVM

June 13, 2013

Mecca, California! The date capital of the Western World. Unfortunately, the dates are not yet ripe. But the farmworkers are busy with grapes and okra.

Our Evening in Phoenix

Written by: Sister Pat Murphy, RSM

June 12, 2013

Our evening session was held in Phoenix in the auditorium at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. It was announced in the beginning that the venue was changed because of the number of responses. The auditorium held 200 people and every seat was filled.

Lobby Visits to Senator Flake's and Senator McCain's Offices

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ (Sen. Flake's office) and Sister Gail Young, SSS (Sen. McCain's office)

June 12, 2013

Senator Flake's Office: Upon arriving in Phoenix, three of the "nuns on the bus" were joined by local sisters and others for a lobby visit with Senator Flake's staff. There were a dozen or so in the delegation and although the visit was an extremely brief one, there was opportunity to highlight many reasons why comprehensive immigration reform needs to be enacted now, this summer.

Nogales Visit on the Border

Written by Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC

June 12, 2013

We arrived early to meet the folks waiting for us in Nogales on the border. The mayor of U.S. Nogales greeted us, but the mayor of Mexican Nogales was held up in border-crossing traffic. The mayor told us about the dire sufferings of family separation and discrimination at the border. On the day prior to our arrival, young DREAMers had come to touch, embrace and kiss their mothers through the fence.

Our Visit to the Pascua Yaqui Reservation

Written by: Sister JoAnn Persch, RSM

June 11, 2013

The gathering at the reservation near Tucson, AZ was held in a new auditorium, and the crowd was so large that there was standing room only. The meeting was a chaired by a staff member of Congressman Raul M. Grijalva. He welcomed the group and then invited the tribal council to greet the Nuns on the Bus and offer a prayer.

Visit to Office of Congressman Pearce in Las Cruces

Written by: Sister Marge Clark, BVM

June 11, 2013

Thirteen NETWORK Nuns on the Bus, Driving for Faith, Family and Citizenship visited with Peter Ibarro, Chief of Staff in the Las Cruces, NM office of Congressman Pearce to share ideas on comprehensive immigration reform.

Annunciation House Lives a Gospel Spirit!

Written by Sr. Gail Young, SSS

June 11, 2013

As the Sisters and I reflected on the reading of Joel this morning during our prayer time, the words that stood out for me were “Be not afraid” and “God is among you” because they bring a deep comfort to me as we lift up the work of the people who are on the frontlines and bring attention to the stories we will hear today. All throughout the day, these words were with me.

Stories from El Paso, Texas

Written by: Sister Pat Murphy, RSM

June 10, 2013

The warm temperature of El Paso could not compare to the warm welcome we received on this beautiful day in June. Initially, we were greeted by religious and lay women of the area with signs, applause and many hugs. I saw some faces I knew, and many women who knew people from Chicago connected to our advocacy work for immigration reform.

Lamar Bruni Vergara Education Center in Laredo, Texas

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

June 10, 2013

Upon arriving at 8:30 a.m. at this beautiful center, we were once again warmly welcomed by our Laredo brothers and sisters. We felt honored and delighted to learn that June 10, 2013 was proclaimed ‘Nuns on the Bus Immigration Reform Day in Laredo, Texas” by both the City of Laredo and Webb County.

Our Laredo Experience

Written by: Sister Marge Clark, BVM

June 9, 2013

Mayor Salinas welcomed us to the wonderful city of Laredo. He called the attention of all those gathered (about 100) to the terrible amendment passed in the House on a party line vote. Rep. Steve King pushed the amendment that would make DREAMers "criminals."

San Antonio Immigration Rally at San Lorenzo Parish

Written by: Sister Sharon Altendorf, PBVM

June 9, 2013

What a warm San Antonio welcome – feeling like 105 said one of our group! And yet Mariachis played, serenading amazingly diverse peoples waiting OUTSIDE the church under tents – bringing us water and umbrellas to protect us.

Sunday Mass at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church

Written by: Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC

June 9, 2013

We attended Mass at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin this morning. We were blessed to welcome a new member to our faith in the sacrament of confirmation. In addition, we stood with a child who made her First Communion. What a gift!

St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church Family Center in Austin, Texas

Written by: Sister Marti McCarthy, SSS

June 8, 2013

About 200 people came to greet the Nuns on the Bus in Austin. Sister JT Dwyer, a Daughter of Charity, introduced the evening with a warm welcome from Holy Cross Fr. Bill Wack, the pastor. Sister Mary Lou Barba, Diocesan Director for Religious of Austin, read a letter of support and welcome letter from Bishop Joseph Vasquez.

Catholic Charities Immigration and Legal Services in Dallas

Written by: Sister Diane Donoghue, SSS

June 8, 2013

The Dallas office services the largest number of DACA students in the country.

Outside the Houston Office of Senator Cruz

Written by: Sister Marge Clark, BVM

June 8, 2013

Senator Cruz is one of those who need urging to stop obstructing the process of immigration reform. Since his office is not open on Saturday, about a hundred ardent supporters of reasonable immigration reform joined us outside the building of his office. Perhaps the vibes of our prayers and stories will penetrate the walls and be there to greet his staff on Monday.

Dominican Center in Houston

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

June 7, 2013

We have now arrived in the great state of Texas, where we hope to garner a huge tsunami of support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). Our first Texas event was held at the Dominican Center for Spirituality, where we were warmly welcomed by our Dominican Sisters for supper, for our friendraiser, and for our overnight stay.

Our Visit to the Office of Senator Chambliss

Written by: Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC

June 6, 2013

Yesterday, we visited Senator Saxby Chambliss’s office. We met with Erin Mayo, his outreach person, because something had “come up” with his Legislative Director.

Archdiocesan Catholic Charities Center in Metairie, Louisiana

Written by Sister Simone Campbell, SSS

June 7, 2013

We just left the Archdiocesan Catholic Charities Center in Metairie. It is in an old brick school building that they have refurbished in a wonderful way. They have light yellow walls, big windows and lots of space for their comprehensive program.

Wonderful Evening at Holy Angels Convent

Written by: Sister Marge Clark, BVM

June 6, 2013

A storm was brewing from the tropical storm which moved east of us; nonetheless the Nuns on The Bus were warmly received by the Sisters of the Holy Family for a quick dinner before going off to the friendraiser at Holy Angels Convent.

Atlanta in the Evening

Written by: Sister Marti McCarthy,SSS

June 6, 2013

Last evening, Good Shepherd Center in Atlanta gave us respite in the late afternoon and dinner before our evening friendraiser.

La Casita, Responding to the Needs of the People of Alabama

Written by: Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM

June 5, 2013

Our visit to La Casita this morning was wonderful narrative of rapidly responding to the needs of the people of Alabama. One of the communities in Alabama with the greatest needs is that of the newest immigrants. This is the story of the Catholic Church in Alabama since the children of Italian immigrants were refused admittance to the public schools. The Benedictine Sisters and the Mercy Sisters responded by starting schools.

An Important Day in Alabama

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

June 4, 2013

What a special day we’ve spent in Birmingham and Homewood, Alabama! Arriving early we had an hour to roam the historic section. I spent my time wandering through Kelly Ingraham Park across from the 16th Street Baptist Church, where four children were killed in a bombing. Reading the accounts in the park of the horrendous actions that happened here in 1963 brought the feeling of walking on holy ground, the sacred place where on May 2, 1963, 600 children crusaders were savagely hauled off to jail for protesting segregation and standing for justice.

Sen. Marco Rubio’s Office

Written by: Sister Eileen Reilly, SSND

June 4, 2013

This morning, in the shadow of the Florida state Capitol in Tallahassee, we gathered at a Presbyterian church to meet with a large group of immigrant reform advocates including labor leaders and the NAACP. All of us agreed that comprehensive immigration reform is a moral imperative.

Inspiring Day in Central Florida

Written by: Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM

June 3, 2013

Today was a one of many contrasts. We began the day by going to meet with the staff at the office of Representative Daniel Webster in Winter Park, Florida. We were met outside the office by groups of advocates for immigration reform: People Improving Communities through Organization (PICO), and citizens supporting immigration reform. PICO leads regular prayer vigils in front of Rep. Webster’s office.

Corpus Christi Sunday in Winter Park, Florida

Written by: Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC

June 3, 2013

Last night, we visited St Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park, Florida. First, we celebrated Mass with the local parish and helped them say good bye to one of their beloved priests who had been missioned to another parish. Immediately following, we participated in a thoughtful and ethnically rich program created by local Sister Ann Kendrick, SND. We were escorted in the meeting room by young flag-bearers who proudly stood for immigration reform.

Standing with our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters in Savannah, Georgia

Written by: Sister Eileen Reilly, SSND

June 2, 2013

Bright and early Sunday morning we were welcomed to Mercy Convent, where sisters, their colleagues and immigrants were gathered to welcome Nuns on the Bus to Savannah.

Ida, a teenage immigrant young woman introduced us to her immigrant parents and her "American citizen younger brother." Although she recently was given temporary protected status and can now legally drive and work, she talked about living with the daily fear that one or both of her parents will be detained or deported.

Charleston and the Old Slave Mart Museum

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

June 1, 2013

This evening, as we meandered into the 3-century old Circular Congregational Church of Charleston we were rousingly greeted with the strains of “When the nuns (saints) come marching in,” revealing the energy and emotion of the 200+ assembly.

Greenville, South Carolina Visit Reflection

Written by: Sr. Susie Dandison, RSM, and Sister Rose Marie Tresp, RSM

June 1, 2013

Sr. Rose Marie - The part that really struck me in Greenville was the raid on the chicken processing plant. 300 people, and although we weren't given many details they obviously weren't treated with respect. Why can't everyone be treated with dignity and justice no matter what they've done? Nobody deserves to be treated poorly.

Charlotte, North Carolina

Written by: Sister Marti McCarthy, SSS

June 1, 2013

Evening in Charlotte at St. Peter’s…We sisters shared thoughts from the days before. We were also there to support a mother and her three children who are at imminent risk of deportation. Hit from behind by a car, she had no drivers’ license to produce when approached by the police. She was taken by the police with her children left behind.

Our Visit in Durham, North Carolina

Written by: Sister Judy Best, SSND

May 31, 2013

Riding into Durham, NC, I was not sure what to expect. Arriving at Church World Service- RDU sent an immediate energy through us as we Nuns on the Bus joined their staff. Mary and Kelly discussed their procedures for welcoming refugees. First, the State Department assigns refugees to Durham. Second, CWS staff or volunteers welcome them upon arrival. Third, they are invited to learn English at ESL classes, where 10 interpreters are available.

Charlottesville (Virginia) Reflection

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

May 31, 2013

Last evening, the Nuns on the Bus arrived at St. Paul's Memorial Church in Charlottesville for a friendraiser. Enjoying the beautiful spring evening, we were warmly welcomed by the mayor of the city and greeted by a crowd of about 50 folks from the area. The Nuns on the Bus shared why we were on the road promoting the need for immigration reform and inviting everyone's participation in advocating with their legislators. Several persons from the assembled shared what they were already doing for immigration reform and what they intended to continue doing. In addition, Sister Simone got to share some special news of her day, her visit with President Obama in the Oval Office.

Sister Simone Campbell with President Obama

On May 30, Sister Simone Campbell discussed immigration reform and our journey with President Obama in the Oval Office. We are grateful that he and other leaders from both sides of the aisle see the urgency of reform and are working to make it happen.

A special thank you to the president for his warm words about the work we are doing and our journey for immigration justice!

(The official White House blog post about their meeting can be found here.)

We Arrive in Washington DC

Written by: Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC

May 30, 2013

Our arrival in DC was delayed by traffic and Capitol Hill security measures. We had to walk the last four blocks to our meeting place, the United Methodist Building, because we could not clear U.S. Capitol “Border Patrol” in time for our program's start time.

Visits in Camden, New Jersey

Written by: Sister Marti McCarthy, SSS

May 30, 2013

A dozen yellow-tee-shirted St. Anthony seventh graders waved us off the bus as we entered von Nieto Park in Camden, New Jersey. These young activists had taken charge of their local park, which had been dirty and unsafe. The park we toured, led with pride by various members of the young group, was clean and beautiful with many improvements.

Bishop O'Connell Welcomes Nuns on the Bus Gathering

Bishop O'Connell with NETWORK Nuns on the Bus

Bishop O'Connell and others bless NETWORK Nuns on the Bus

NETWORK's Sister Mary Ellen Lacey with Bishop O'Connell

Written by: Sister Judy Best, SSND

May 29, 2013

What touched me about our visit to St. Ann’s Parish and the Center for FaithJustice in Lawrenceville, NJ?

The vibrancy of the crowd who clapped as we got off the bus seemed a theme for our gathering. There was an electric energy as Mary Vanderhhoof from the Center for FaithJustice focused attention on the importance of educating youth and adults in Catholic social justice.

Gathering at St. John Neumann in Scranton, PA

Written by: Sister Mary Reilly, RSM

May 29, 2013

Today, NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus pulled up to a church called St. John Neumann Parish in Scranton. People were lined up to welcome us; it was so heartwarming! Once inside and looking out from the stage, it was great to see the different cultures in the gathering. Mayor Dohery told the group that over 30 languages were spoken in Scranton High School alone. Afterwards, I spoke with one of the presenters, a young man from Honduras, who sought political asylum here, which was granted. We shared stories of the terrible situation in Honduras. I told him of my involvement because of our Mercy mission there. He is going to contact the staff persons in the office of Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), with whom we (the Sisters of Mercy ) have been working. He is going to contact both offices, for I’m sure hearing from a Honduran here on political asylum should give weight to the situation. I gave him my name and said “mention my name!” Part of the joy of the journey of NETWORK’s Nuns on the Bus is making such connections.

Our First Stop - Liberty State Park, NJ

Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ

May 29, 2013

In sight of the beautiful backdrop of Ellis Island, Nuns on the Bus officially launched our 6500-mile tour for Immigration Reform. A crowd on enthusiastic supporters greeted us and cheered us on. During the kick-off a few sisters traveling on the bus shared what inspired them to come on board. Rabbi Rick Jacobs from the Union of Reform Judaism spoke passionately about the need for Immigration Reform and lauded the work of Nuns on the Bus. Monsignor Kevin Sullivan from Catholic Charities of New York highlighted respect for the dignity of each person, the right to meaningful work and a living wage, and the importance of family unity. Our fearless leader Sister Simone rallied the crowd with a cry for Just and Commonsense Immigration Reform Now. And then, back on the bus and on to Scranton.

Pre-Launch Blessing in New Haven, Connecticut

Written By: Sister Arlene Flaherty, OP

May 29, 2013

The NETWORK Nuns on the Bus tour for immigration reform began last night at St. Rose of Lima Parish in New Haven, CT. After several parishioners from this largely Latino parish addressed the critical need for "Nuns on the Bus" advocacy efforts, Peg Regan, SSND, who directs an educational program for recently arrived immigrants spoke to many of the push factors including economic stresses exacerbated by U.S. policy in Latin America. Ganna, a Syrian woman refugee, then gave poignant testimony to her struggle to remain in the U.S. with her young children and graduate-student husband - especially since her country is awash in war.