News & Events
From the Archives:
Our Many Voices — Unification through Literacy
Ava Mari Doogue
The Literacy Connection, a mission started by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston in May 1987, sought to assist adult immigrants whose second language was English (ESL). Literacy Connection tutors and teachers (both retired Sisters and lay people) helped non-English speakers with resumes, job applications and job searches, understanding medical records and forms, and applying for housing. Fundamentally, The Literacy Connection strove to connect neighbors with their communities.
The Literacy Connection allowed many adults and families to not only feel they could fully engage in American life, but also remain connected to their homeland, and culture. The artifact of the month for May is Our Many Voices, “These writings come to you from a group of ESL adults who want to share their memories, hopes and dreams as they move beyond boundaries of culture, language and customs.”(Meg Garballey, CSJ, Our Many Stories, Introduction page.) 21 adults from all corners of the world, each one unique and enriching, author the stories. The stories range from myths and legends, unknown history and poems. “Let us sit back and reflect on the following stories and let us allow ourselves to be touched by the message and by the people who share them.” (Helen Sullivan, CSJ, Introduction page.)
In addition to select poems and stories, images and memorabilia collected from tutors and students are on display in the Motherhouse foyer beside the chapel.