News - Equity and Justice RSS Feed

Amidst the sprawling farmlands of California, the Farmworker Caravan emerges as a lifeline for the backbone of our agricultural system: farmworkers. This grassroots movement has become a lifeline for workers facing unimaginable challenges. From human trafficking to exploitative working conditions, farmworkers endure hardships that often go unseen. Through tireless efforts and community collaboration, the Caravan provides crucial aid and sheds light on the injustices faced by these essential laborers.

Nestled amidst the sprawling fields of California's agricultural heartland lies a story of resilience and struggle in the rows of crops that feed the nation. Beyond the bountiful harvests and picturesque landscapes of the Salinas Valley lies a community of unsung heroes - the farmworkers. These laborers work tirelessly to bring food to our tables, yet their own struggles often go unnoticed. Take this moment to delve into their world, to understand their challenges dealing with the harsh reality of exploitation and hardship, and to join the Sisters of the Presentation in a cause that transcends fields and fences.

In September of 1999, Sister Máire Sullivan, a devoted member of the Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco, embarked on a journey that would change lives and uplift spirits in the Mission District of San Francisco. Little did she know that a simple act of kindness, offering pizza to those waiting in a doorway in the neighborhood, would sow the seeds for which became the Day Laborer Lunch Program.

Every few weeks, Sisters from the Motherhouse deliver blankets to people living on the streets of San Francisco, often in tents. Recently, funds from the Easter Egg Grants provided thirty-five people a new blanket. Donations of blankets in new or gently used condition are welcome, and may be dropped off during business hours at 2340 Turk Blvd. in San Francisco.

Each Tuesday, all year long, three or four Presentation Sisters head for their car in the early, dark hours of the morning. The Sisters carry 140 bag lunches that will be dropped off at stops in San Francisco where day laborers are known to congregate in hopes of being hired for short-term work. Started in 1999, the effort now involves dozens of Sisters and volunteers to keep it going strong.

In September, Sister Rita Jovick attended the annual conference of the U.S. Sisters Against Human Trafficking. A member of the congregation’s Justice Committee, Sister Rita has a long-standing commitment to ending human trafficking. In this report she shares both disturbing and hopeful information from the conference.

In May, the Sisters and Associates were able to hear from Ann Chermak Dillen, a career diplomat who now focuses her attention on Ukraine's democratic development by organizing women's leadership projects and supporting Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). This month she provided an update on pending legislation and urged pressure on California's national legislators.

In April 2023, the Leadership Team made a visit to a migrant shelter in Mexicali. Their visit was to offer companionship and friendship to those who are staying there while awaiting appointments with U.S. immigration. Sister Pati Reinhert wrote about the experience, described as "bittersweet" by Sister Rosina Conrotto.

The Sisters in the Motherhouse took the occasion of National Gun Violence Awareness Day to engage in learning and advocacy, then witnessed on the front steps to all passing by. Let us all pray and do what we can to bring an end to mass shootings, and an increase of peace.

Read the latest news from our Social Justice Committee. Topics include the International Day of Prayer and Awareness of Human Trafficking; the January 21st Justice panel; and this summer's International Presentation Association assembly.

The January 21 panel discussion on Inspirations of Justice yielded, not surprisingly, more inspiration. Find a recap, photos, and a link to the recording here.

Join the Sisters and Associates for an inspirational, educational, and encouraging presentation by four panelists who inspire us. These are individuals we have worked alongside and admired for their dedication to many of the same ideals we embrace: justice, human rights, and respect for all.

By the light of a star and a lantern, 45 people living on the streets of the Tenderloin in San Francisco received a blank to combat these bitterly cold nights. Donations are still being accepted.

A new peace monument graces the grounds of the Morgan Hill Civic Center, thanks to former students of Presentation Sisters. It was installed on the U.N. International Peace Day earlier this year.

This Christmas 50 impoverished children living in developing countries will be receiving a Box of Joy. This is happening because of a $1,000.00 from the Easter Egg Grant (the annual Easter Appeal) and the Motherhouse Sisters’ generosity.

The May 21, 2022 Interfaith Build Day for Habitat for Humanity San Francisco happened with the support of Sisters Maire, Sylvia, and Virginia E. Building eight new affordable homes in Diamond Heights is an amazing interfaith effort! These Sisters and the work of the Presentation Sisters congregation are highlighted in Habitat's most recent volunteer newsletter.

Three young women in India have hope for the future with our help. Associate Nanette Miller, works with the the Diocese of Miao in northern India and has this report on the use of funds provided these girls through the annual “Easter Egg Grants...”