Episode 84 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh.
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" Once they enter our [Humanitarian Respite Center for immigrants along the border], the very first thing that I asked is, "Como estas?" How are you?
And it's for the very first time that someone that has been through so many difficult times, you know, and fear for their lives and their children, not having anything to eat sometimes, probably sleeping in the grass in the ground and really finding themselves with their feet all blistered for all the walking they did and their shoes torn and they walk without shoes and they end up with us in very poor conditions... it's for the very first time that they see someone say, how are you?
And it's like they matter. You can start seeing in them the transformation in their faces. I hear them say like, Thank you God for taking care of me and bringing me to this safe space, you know. This is what for me is the Rio Grande Valley and the border in South Texas with Mexico."
-Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ
IN THIS EPISODE
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Topics Discussed:
Sister Norma's vocation
art
immigration
border control
courage
a punishing vs a loving God
the breadth of Spirituality
being present
making connections
exploitation of immigrants
dignity
protesting the sale of arms
being a disciple of Jesus
trusting/surrendering to God
Name Drops:
Jesus
Pope Francis
Mother Teresa of Avila
Moses
Books Mentioned:
the Bible
Time Magazine
Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sister Norma Pimentel has become one of the most recognized leaders in our nation today. As Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, she oversees the charitable branch of the Diocese of Brownsville, the second largest Catholic Diocese in the United States. Sister Pimentel has over twenty years of experience in providing oversight to a diverse set of ministries and social services in the Rio Grande Valley such as homeless prevention, disaster relief, clinical counseling, pregnancy care, food assistance, and humanitarian relief to immigrants.
In 2014, during the influx of immigrants entering the United States through the Southern Border, Sister Pimentel with the support of the local community established the Humanitarian Respite Center, providing a safe space for immigrants to rest before continuing their journey to other parts of the United States. Ten years later, the Humanitarian Respite Center has become the largest respite center in our country, welcoming over half a million immigrants in the course of ten years. More than just providing immediate humanitarian care, Sister Pimentel has become a voice for immigrant families reminding us that they are not numbers but rather human beings who should be respected and treated with dignity.
Sister Pimentel holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Pan American University, a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University in Chicago. She also holds over five honorary doctoral degrees from some of the most prestigious universities in our nation such as the University of Norte Dame.
Furthermore, known as the Pope’s favorite nun, Sister Pimentel is also an artist whose paintings have captivated numerous audiences.
MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is hosted by Sister Julia Walsh.
Produced and edited by Colin Wambsgans.
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