This is an archive page from a previous bus tour. Not all links may be operational. Current Nuns on the Bus information can be found at www.nunsonthebus.org.
Tour Kick-Off Rally
We’re all in this together
By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF
September 17, 2014
Des Moines, Iowa. Last
night the sisters boarding Nuns on the Bus gathered for our orientation, in
preparation for the kick off rally today. Ten of us from six different
communities of women religious in Iowa greeted old friends and met new ones. Whenever
sisters gather there is an immediate bond. We’re all in this together.
The bus emblazoned with “We the People. We the Voters,” the
theme of this tour, pulled up and our energy level rose. On this Iowa leg we will
be crossing the state, stopping in seven cities encouraging citizens to get
involved in the political process and to vote. As more and more money is being
poured into the process, the voices and needs of people are being drowned out.
People are being left behind. Our country becomes more divided.
We introduced ourselves, sharing why we are riding on the
bus. Each of our lives has been touched by the needs of people, especially
those most left out, those on the margins of society. Our hearts go out. We know
they are our sisters and brothers. That’s why we’re riding. And we know the way forward is to recognize
we’re all in this together.
We are embarking on an adventure, eager to engage people
along the way, at voter registration drives, town hall meetings for the 100%,
door knocking and partnering with local agencies. I can’t imagine the effort
behind the scenes to organize all this. We were briefed on our own tasks.
We go now to begin our day together in prayer. To remain
grounded. To keep connected. We’ll pray for the grace to remain open to
whatever happens and whomever we meet. To be able to listen and exchange our
points of view. To work for the good of all.
