Northeast Regional Gathering - A Reflection of Who We Are
On a Monday night in mid-February, 47 Zoom screens (well over 50 participants) came together to counter the darkness of politics and pandemic and speak to each other of respect, gratitude, revolutionary love, care for the earth and much more, utilizing a panoply of creative mediums. In the spaces before and after the presentations one could also hear wonderful, simple words of, “It’s so good to see you after so long!” “How have you been doing?!” “HELLO insert name”.
I think it’s fair to say that this gathering was a small reflection of not just the Affiliate movement, but of Maryknoll today. At least one Maryknoll Sister, Brother and priest participated and, while no present Lay Missioners were able to attend, many former Lay Missioners were there. Sr. Mary Ellen Kempken spoke eloquently about Global Vision, an Affiliate pillar as well as a brazen tracer on all Maryknoller’s DNA. The incredibly thoughtful reflections, PowerPoints and videos honored the diversity of race, ethnicity, culture, social status, religion and even political leanings. On age diversity, we just might have a ways to go J. All the pillars were incorporated in the presentations as was the expansive, embracing, compassionate vision that characterizes who we are.
Santa with children in Guatemala
Finally, this heartening celebration came together thanks to the insight, intuition and indefatigable mission commitment of Northeast Region Coordinator, Santa Orlando. A woman of downstate NY toughness, almost no pretense and, if applied, a heart to melt the mountains of snow around her upstate NY home. Somewhere along the line, Maryknoll’s mission charism got hold of her and she hasn’t been able (or tried) to break its grip. Un millón de gracias, Santa.
To view Zoom recording, try either link: