Social Justice
Sisters of Charity Federation and the United Nations
The Federation NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) gives voice to those living in poverty and provides decision-makers with firsthand knowledge in areas such as Sustainable Development, Poverty Eradication, Human Rights, Trafficking, Migration, Climate Change, Financing for Development, Education for Global Citizenship, and Women and Children.
Dr. James Walters, EdD, is a steadfast representative of the Sisters of Charity Federation and the public in United Nations services and activities. His monthly newsletter, “The UN & You,” is a testament to his dedication and provides Federation members with reassurance and confidence in our advocacy.
Each Sister of Charity congregation has an NGO representative who raises awareness, increases knowledge, and offers suggestions for advocacy. Our NGO representative is the Director of Communications and Development, Lynn Wagner.
UN & You Newsletter
Human Trafficking
On September 15, 2022, following a prayer service, sisters gathered at the entrance of Caritas Christi to participate in the Red Sand Project, a community-produced art installation. This project involves pouring red sand into pavement cracks, symbolizing the victims and survivors of human trafficking who fall through the cracks in our systems of care, and visually promotes the need for better support systems.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. An estimated 40.3 million adults and children are in forced labor, sexual slavery, or forced marriages. It is a horrific international crime of modern day slavery.
Sister Mary Norbert Long, Provincial Superior United States Province, actively participates in programs that raise awareness to fight human trafficking locally and globally. In recent years, she helped to establish and has served on the Westmoreland County Human Trafficking Task Force, whose mission is to enhance education, identify and support victims, and increase public awareness of the impact of human trafficking.
Along with prayer services, Sister has been active in outreach within the community. She has led discussions at educational and religious institutions to build greater awareness of this crime and its consequences, particularly for young children.
The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill are committed to raising awareness through outreach efforts and prayer to fight this global epidemic.
Rededication of Peace Garden
Our peace site, a place of timeless beauty for prayer and meditation, was established in 1991 and transformed into a garden in 2013. At the conclusion of Earth Week, on Saturday, April 23, 2022, the Garden was rededicated. Local Native Americans led a drumming circle and joined the sisters and visitors in song and prayer as they witnessed the site’s blessing. The steady beats of the sacred instruments reminded us all to “rededicate our hearts to peace.” Closing the rededication, sisters and visitors sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” centering their hearts on the peace God will provide.
