New Orleans - Town Hall

By Sister Julie Marsh, PBVM

October 14, 2014

On Tuesday evening, the City of New Orleans was filled with a plethora of events for people to attend such as “The Night Out Against Crime” which promotes neighbors to meet neighbors in all parts of the city, “the Senate Debates” which would enlighten voters in this close Senate race, a city-wide Inter-faith Prayer Service for Peace that gathers monthly, various ball games of variety of colors…and “the Nuns on the Bus!”

Though the crowd was small, the enthusiasm brought by those attending was energizing. Sister Clare, president of Saint Mary’s Academy, welcomed Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS and her entourage of NETWORK staff to New Orleans and the school. After a brief introduction from sisters of various religious communities and from the men and women interested in learning more about today’s political challenges, Sr. Simone wasted no time in trying to find out what some of the issues or the needs are for the people of New Orleans as we approach Election Day 2014.

She shared that her travels have given her new insights as to the creative lengths people will go to in order to meet the needs of their communities. As we discussed in small groups, issues began to surface such as education, violence, poverty, city/state corruption, loss of the wetlands, and political leadership. The list seemed overwhelming; however, the discussions around the room seemed to be spirited with passion, not defeat. The number of women religious attending this evening prevented any kind of hopelessness to take root. Sr. Simone commented on this interesting phenomenon, too. It was exciting to be a part of something I’ve known all along… and that is that women religious have historically been able to move mountains and today is no different!

Today we are off to more wonderful sites where women religious meet the needs of the people of New Orleans right where they are…on the streets.