On February 23, Sr. Kathleen Erickson will visit Mount Mercy University to lecture on her experiences serving immigrants near the Mexican border. Her discussion will begin at 7 p.m. in the Flaherty Community Room, second floor Basile Hall.
Sr. Kathleen has been a member of the Sisters of Mercy for nearly 50 years, focusing on the issue of immigration since 1991. Sister Kathleen opened an immigrant shelter for women and ran immersion experiences for those curious about immigration issues.
“Immigration is one of the six critical concerns that our university founders, the Sisters of Mercy, focus on,” stated Isaiah Corbin, coordinator for volunteerism and service learning. “Sr. Kathleen has a tremendous amount of knowledge on the topic of immigration because of the work she has done to create a less hostile environment along the border.”
On the heels of Sr. Kathleen’s visit, there will be an interfaith service to reflect on migrants and immigrants on February 24 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Mercy. During this special service, prayers and readings from various traditions will be brought together to emphasize the need for compassion, love, and understanding for all humankind. A member of the Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants in Chicago, Sr. Maria Zeiman, will speak on her experiences of working with immigrants.
“The interfaith service will allow people to come together and stand in solidarity for immigrants in the United States and all around the world,” explained Corbin.
The events are open to the public and free of charge; seating may be limited.