Recognizing Oakland's Beauty Despite the Challenges
Oakland, CA, is a beautiful city! Decades ago Rose and Dan Lucey, founders of the National Peace Academy, chose to bring their family to Oakland because of the beauty of the city and the rich diversity of the people of God. However, recently Oakland, like many American cities, has been plagued with problems: income inequality, substance abuse, systemic racism among other social sins. From these roots, sadly, we see violence in our streets, often gun violence leading to loss of life. In 2023 there were 120 homicides in Oakland witnessed by crosses in the front garden of my parish, St. Columba.
Ceasefire: A Comprehensive Response
"Number of homicides" is a statistic; the phrase doesn't begin to reflect the anguish in families at the sudden loss of child, of mother or father, of grandparent. In response to this painful situation a program was adopted in Oakland called "Ceasefire”: a holistic three-part comprehensive program includes a team working with local government resources; a team trained to develop relationships and mentor young people at risk, and people patrolling the streets to let neighbors know there are others who care. Sadly, the program was defunded, thus the high numbers last year. This current budget contains “violence prevention” monies, bringing hope for the future.
Sister Marilyn's Commitment to Service
I participate in these Friday night walks, beginning each week with an interfaith prayer. We carry "peace in our streets" signs and interact with neighbors, asking folks in cars to honk for peace. Why am I there? In the words of a familiar hymn, "Why do we do what we do? Because we love God and all that belongs to God." Our Presentation Constitutions call us to ministry: Like Nano (Nagle) we seek to address the causes of the evils in our society as we engage in works that respond to the pastoral, educational, or social needs of the human community.
When I was first invited to join a Friday night walk some years ago, I remember one piece of my discernment was our PBVM Philosophy of Aging document acknowledging our aging and lower energy levels: We are called to be open to the Spirit in all life changes, keeping a balance between our potential and our diminishment. However, this was in a "doable" timeframe with others in a faith-based environment.
Ceasefire is a project of Faith in Action, the local arm of PICO, Pacific Institute of Community Organizing. And I walk in spirit with Presentation because wherever a Presentation sister is present in ministry, she is united with all her sisters who share and support her ministry.
Constitutions – So we walk the weekly Ceasefire pilgrimage remembering, in the words of St. Theresa's Prayer:
Christ has no Body now but yours
No hands, no feet on earth but yours
Yours are the eyes through which He looks
Compassion on this world
Conclusion: A Journey of Faith and Renewal
Despite Oakland's challenges, Sister Marilyn remains unwavering in her conviction that compassion and community are essential for navigating the path forward. With each stride of her Ceasefire pilgrimage, she imparts hope and restoration to a vibrant place called Oakland, CA. In her heartfelt observation, Sister Marilyn affirms, "Yes, Oakland is a beautiful city, and the Ceasefire Program is instrumental in fostering appreciation for diversity, nurturing mutual respect, illuminating societal inequalities, and nurturing the inherent goodness within all of God's people."