From June 28 – July 7, 2021, I was blessed to travel to Laredo, Texas, as part of a Dominican Sisters (OPSCC) mission team to Laredo with seven amazing women: Sister Patricia Daly (Caldwell), Sister Patricia Ginty (Blauvelt), Fiona Kyle, Sister Valorie Lordi (Sparkill), Sister Carolann Masone (Amityville), Sister Diane McSherry (Sparkill), and Sister Margaret O’Doherty (Sparkill). There are no words to adequately express the reality of what we witnessed and experienced.
It is a miracle that these refugees made it across the border, considering the harrowing passages they endured. Kidnappings, extortion, robbery, assaults of every kind, weeks of travel, no money, no food, no water, threats at every turn are par for the course. Traveling with only the clothes on your back and maybe a small backpack or bag—as Sister Margaret O’Doherty said, “Can you imagine!?
We bounced between the Catholic Charities La Frontera Shelter and the Holding Institute as the need compelled. We followed crowds of people on the move for survival, to help as we were able. I hope that this slideshow created from our photos will convey the spirit of our trip and reveal the beauty, strength, and courage of those we served.
Where is God calling you to “travel” today?
– Sister Jeanne Shary, OP
Sister Jeanne works with foster care adolescents, group home adolescent girls, and mentally challenged adults. for Cardinal McCloskey Community Services
