Neighbors, Not Strangers:
Talk with LUCE & Liz Breadon

Above: Ted and Alex sharing information about LUCE.

Picture this: you’re walking down Commonwealth Avenue, heading to work. Suddenly, you’re asked several questions from officers who’ve emerged from a massive black van with tinted windows and, next thing you know, you’re in that van. You have no means of contacting work or your family, and no idea when you’ll be home — or if you’ll ever be.

On Tuesday, April 28th, representatives from LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts shared information on what this immigrant justice network in Massachusetts was doing to mitigate damage caused by ICE, protect vulnerable people, and educate the surrounding communities. Liz Breadon, City Council President, shared her own insight and personal story as an immigrant herself.

Above: Liz Breadon speaking about her experiences.

Peggy Comfrey, CSJ, began the gathering with a reminder of the statement the Congregation made 18 months ago, “when the new administration promised mass deportations and made it clear in no uncertain terms that immigrants, particularly those with black or brown skin, were not welcome in the U.S. by the President or his supporters. This statement reinforced our own values of inclusion and welcome for the “dear neighbor.”   

We said:  

“We, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, have ministered with and for immigrants since our arrival in Boston in 1873.  Compelled by the Gospel message of Jesus and Catholic Social Teaching, we continue to live our message of unifying love as we stand with those who struggle for justice…

At this moment in the life of our nation, we recognize our call to stand with immigrants and be agents of unifying and reconciling love, which is more needed now than ever. As Sisters of St. Joseph, we move always toward profound love of God and neighbor without distinction. In this spirit, we continue to be a compassionate presence for our immigrant communities.

Through our advocacy efforts, we call for justice.”  

Not long after this statement was created, we also hung a banner outside the Motherhouse claiming “We Stand with Immigrants.” 

This gathering on the 28th was an opportunity for attendees to learn about LUCE and the City of Boston’s stance on ICE, but it also was a way of reaffirming our commitment to loving, serving, and in this instance, protecting the dear neighbor, without distinction. The point of view shared earlier is the horrifying story of thousands of our dear neighbors. We as a congregation are committed to standing with these people, and doing what we can to change the narrative. We stand with immigrants —  now, and always.