Following high reports of deportations and what critics deem to be an excessive force, the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have been called into question by politicians and religious organizations alike, including the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
The Sisters have been outspoken in their criticism of ICE, along with the U.S. bishops and the pope. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Social Teaching is rooted in “welcoming the stranger,” teaching that people have the right to migrate to sustain their families.
“For several thousand years since our ancient Jewish roots, we’ve really been focused on providing hospitality, welcoming people who are foreigners. The ways Catholics go about this are in some cases, controversial and, in some cases, radical,” Campus Minister Mr. Bates said.
Work with immigrants is not unfamiliar to the SSJs.
At the SSJ Neighborhood Center in Camden, they have been serving immigrants since 2014, providing food and supplies, educating and teaching language courses, and extending love to immigrants in any way that is needed.
In late March, SSJ Neighborhood Center Director, Sister Bonnie McMenamin, SSJ, spoke to Mounties at a school assembly speaking on the service the Center provides immigrants, who she referred to as “neighbors.”
Sister Bonnie McMenamin, SSJ speaking to the Mount at a school wide assembly in late March.
“So the SSJ Neighborhood Center mission reminds us that we are rooted in the love of God and neighbor without distinction. And as neighbors arrive at our door each day, we welcome and assist them with cordial charity in the same manner that Joseph cared for Jesus and Mary,” Sister Bonnie said.
Sister Bonnie stressed the challenges that the Center is facing under current immigration policy, with immigrants afraid to leave their homes and come to the Center for education and supplies. Despite these challenges, Sister Bonnie said that the Center remains committed to its mission.
“Our neighbors are not treated with respect. They’re not treated with love. And they’re not welcomed in the United States. So we do our best to welcome them and to create hope for them. And this is how we do it,” Sister Bonnie said.
A Prayer Service in Solidarity
The SSJs advocate for immigrants in ways beyond organizations, education and charity. On Thursday, March 19, the SSJs organized a prayer vigil to stand in solidarity with immigrants.
About 175 people, including eight Mount students and two Mount teachers, gathered in front of the Philadelphia Department of Homeland Security ICE Field Office in prayer.
Many people held signs and prayer cards. Prayer leaders stood in the center of the crowd and guided participants through the vigil, while a guitarist and flutist provided music in the background as the crowd sang together.
The readings highlighted criticisms of current immigration enforcement practices and emphasized the importance of treating immigrants with love and equality.
Natalie Peddicord ’28, who attended the vigil, said, “I really liked being with the sisters and how we were praying and connecting things to the scripture . . . It was a really good experience.”
As criticisms of ICE persist, the SSJs’ continue to advocate for the rights of immigrants. They stress the value of human rights and welcome “the dear neighbor,” channeling their beliefs into advocacy.
“What the sisters see in our current reality is disunity, division, separation, literal, physical separation. And that is directly contrary to not only their Catholic identity, but their particular mission,” Mr. Bates said.
