3 minute read
Act - Responding
SNJM writings
“We therefore pledge ourselves to seek and participate in collaborative structures, relationships and actions that will liberate life….” (2016)
- Marylyn Gibney, SNJM
The rose Project Day Four Action - Responding
From Scripture:
In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, he summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied. He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over—seven baskets. There were about four thousand people. - Mark 8:1-9
Reflection:
In the summer of 1973, equipped with enthusiasm and a pool table, several Sisters and I moved into the poorest area of Winnipeg where many Indigenous people lived. We learned that most families had experienced suicides, incarcerations, and violent deaths. Too many youth had dropped out of school. By October, some teenagers came to ‘check us out.’ They began dropping in four to five nights a week. They enjoyed our company, the pool table and games in the basement. Soon we were overrun. The following year, Sister Gerry quit her job as a Legal Aid lawyer to devote full time to the youth. She approached city hall about the possibilities of a building where teenagers could congregate away from the destructive elements of the streets. An abandoned church on our street was available. It was an answer to prayer. The older youth were happy to have their own place. The younger ones, or ‘cellar dwellers’, as we fondly called them, remained in the basement with the St. Mary’s girls and myself.
Rossbrook House, a neighbourhood centre—an alternative to the street—opened January 20, 1976. These ‘juvenile delinquents’ became Sister Gerry’s advisors and staff. For the first time, someone believed in them. They were to become the backbone and heart of Rossbrook, where they continue to provide a safe place. “No child who does not want to be alone ever has to be.” Then in collaboration with the Winnipeg School Division, we started three alternative schools for those who didn’t fit into the regular stream. Sisters Lesley, Johanna and others encouraged their students to finish school and pursue a career. Later, Meegwetch House, a home for sexually abused girls ages 12 to 16, was established. With the loving care of Sister Carol and volunteers, the girls became whole again. Rossbrook House has been a gift, not only to the Indigenous youth, but to society as a whole. The people there are dear to my heart. e- Sister Marylyn Gibney, Winnigpeg, Manitoba
Reflect & Share:
1. What parallels can you draw between the Gospel passage and Sisters Marylyn’s story? 2. What elements of the
Pastoral Circle take place in both stories? 3. Just as Jesus collaborated with the disciples and the
Sisters collaborated with others in the
Winnipeg community, we can “liberate” and empower others through shared input and work toward a common goal. What collaboration have you seen during The Rose
Project? What would you like to see happen or improve before the end of the week?
Prayer Request
Pray for all the missionaries, that they may respond lovingly through their service.
