Since our arrival in the U.S. in 1840, the Sisters continue to answer the call to serve in the most abandoned places. Through our Immigration Ministry, we work to advocate, educate and empower migrant children and adults across the country. As our world changes, that work takes on ever greater urgency.
Currently, the United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that there are more than 100 million displaced people in the world. Every year, increased numbers of individuals and families arrive at our border, seeking asylum and safety. They come in order to escape extreme poverty, political and religious persecution, and violence. At the IRC Welcome Center in Arizona, Sisters from across our province are answering that call, working tirelessly to provide comfort, compassion, and assistance to asylum seekers displaced from their homes.
Watch the video below to learn more about our Immigration Ministries:
Sister Liane Delsuc, who has volunteered at the Center for three years now, notes “the amazing resilience of the human spirit, often supported by a deep faith, something I recognize as we receive guests here at the Welcome Center.”
Sr. Anne Howard and Sr. Liane Delsuc harvest winter vegetables at the Ministry Center.
Our Sisters volunteer at the Welcome Center to welcome men, women and children with dignity. They offer a clean set of clothes, a warm shower and a meal. They also support the ongoing efforts by washing linens, sorting donations, purchasing depleted items, and providing vital assistance to those in need. They offer compassion and care for people who, quite often, faced immense hardship in order to arrive there.
"My experience in Phoenix helped me not get disheartened about our global reality but to carry on. I listened to horrific stories of people who wanted to be heard; while those stories of brokenness made my heart heavy, the faith and hope reflected in the faces of men, women and children soothed my heart and gave me hope—paradoxical situations every day!" writes Sister Bárbara Gutiérrez in her reflection on her time volunteering at the border.
Stories from the Border-Listen to the Stories of the Folks We Serve
“We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation. To respond in a way which is always humane, just and fraternal.”
Pope Francis, Address 2015
Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN
Sister Mary Alice McCabe, SNDdeN
Sister Liane Delsuc, SNDdeN'