A black Sister, Theresa Maxis, founded the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Michigan. Her name was suppressed in history. Here is a link to an article about her in America magazine -
What a forgotten black nun can teach us about racism and Covid-19
There is also a book titled “Building Sisterhood” for those who are interested.
Another book to check out is “Hidden and Forgotten: African Absence in the Consciousness of the Catholic Church in Canada” by Dr. Iheanyi M. Enwerem, O.P.
During these times of people rising up against racism and oppression, it is a good time to examine our roles as people of faith, and the history of our institutions. We can heal from learning about history, and go forward more truthfully, prepared to serve as restorers of the breach. According to Isaiah 58:
Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose:
releasing those bound unjustly,
untying the thongs of the yoke;
Setting free the oppressed,
breaking off every yoke?
Is it not sharing your bread with the hungry,
bringing the afflicted and the homeless into your house;
Clothing the naked when you see them,
and not turning your back on your own flesh?
Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your wound shall quickly be healed;
Your vindication shall go before you,
and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,
you shall cry for help, and he will say: “Here I am!”
If you remove the yoke from among you,
the accusing finger, and malicious speech;
If you lavish your food on the hungry
and satisfy the afflicted;
Then your light shall rise in the darkness,
and your gloom shall become like midday;
Then the LORD will guide you always
and satisfy your thirst in parched places,
will give strength to your bones
And you shall be like a watered garden,
like a flowing spring whose waters never fail.
Your people shall rebuild the ancient ruins;
the foundations from ages past you shall raise up;
“Repairer of the breach,” they shall call you,
“Restorer of ruined dwellings.”
For those who want to join me in taking part in the digital Poor Peoples’ March on Washington on June 20, 2020, please visit https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/
- Mary Kosta, Congregational Archivist