When Sister Norma Pimental, Pope Francis’ favorite nun, was asked by a local mayor what she thought she was doing, she replied simply, “Restoring human dignity.” Often, heartbreakingly, it is the dignity of children that she and her team are working to restore. The grand influx of immigrants crossing the border did not have an adequate place to rest. Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV), with the help of the Sacred Heart Church, the City of McAllen, as well as volunteers and donations, opened its doors to the Respite center, located at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in McAllen, Texas. The center provides a place for the countless men, women, children, and infant refugees to rest, have a warm meal, shower, change into clean clothing and receive medicine and other supplies, before continuing on their journey. As of August 2015, CCRGV has assisted over 23,000 individuals. We will hear from Sister Norma about her experiences.

There will be a special “Share the Plate” collection for Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.