Sister Norma Pimentel’s work as executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley is one of immediate response to the emerging needs in the community. Her humanitarian work on the US-Mexico border overseeing the provision of a safe space for migrants to rest and regain strength, has been recognized by many organizations across the country.
Sister Norma, with the Missionaries of Jesus, gave the keynote address at the conference for Communicators for Women Religious which provides professional networking and education to members who communicate and advance the mission and ministries of women religious. Those assembled were representatives in communications and mission advancement roles from across the United States and other countries, including the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
Sister Norma Pimentel spoke about reaffirmation that we as a country must have. The heart to welcome those that fear for their lives and offer them protection, offer them a humanitarian response that cares for humanity and for, especially those that are most vulnerable and fragile and hurting at our border.
As immigration to the U.S. grew, and her organization were seeing over 2,000 people each day, she said, “I was often asked, ‘Are we supposed to help everybody?’”
Her response to this – “Why limit the grace of God?”
Sister Norma shared how Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley has responded to the humanitarian crisis and has inspired the community to work together to serve the most vulnerable and restore human dignity. The key to their success? Kindness. “If we center on kindness, we become that presence in our society today that makes a difference,” she said.
Her boundless hope and fearless compassion continue to help the vulnerable. Sister Norma will keep changing the world, one act of kindness at a time, and demonstrates how we can do the same by communicating kindness and love.
The first full day of CWR Conference 2022 is underway. Our first presenter is keynote speaker Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ. Sr. Norma is addressing the importance of working together to ensure all human life is respected. pic.twitter.com/iAPl7rYgfb
— Communicators4Nuns (@C4WRtweets) September 28, 2022
It is indeed inspiring to see how many people both locally and from across the country, including both college students and parish youth groups, have responded to the opportunities to serve their neighbors at the shelter there in McAllen.
Sister Norma is right, acts of kindness to everyone will move to eliminate fear of those we do not know. Thank you for sharing this.