Sister Anne Marie O’Shea and Sister Ann Whittaker participated in the Juneteenth celebration held at City Hall Plaza, Brockton, Massachusettes. They listened to the stories of their African American neighbors, enjoyed drumming and music selections, and poetry. “All of us rejoiced together as we sang the Black National Anthem ‘Lift every voice and sing'”, said Sister Anne.
Mayor, Robert Sullivan, Massachusettes Senator Ed Markey, and other officials were present and pledged support and the commitment to justice especially racial equality. Sitting socially distanced and wearing face coverings, “our hearts were beating together. We all proclaimed with strength and compassion that Black Lives Matter!”
The street mural was painted by a local Brockton artist and is located on Bartlett Street. Many Sisters will remember this street. It is the place where the former St. Patrick’s School and Convent stood for generations. SCNs taught and lived in the community at St. Pat’s for decades.
“We are grateful that the charism of the Sisters of Charity is still alive in Brockton – a city of multicultural diversity striving for equality and justice for all,” says Sister Anne.
My heart is with you !
Ann and Anne Marie, it’s amazing that we have been celebrating
this event for so a many years and yet it takes many angry events
to remind us that change is needed. Unnecessary deaths and
destruction of property should not be the reason for just people
to act and reaction so that we can do what is just. Hopefully we
and our leaders will be able to challenge all of us to act justly and
know that even when many disagree with us that God’s Spirit will
help us continue to act justly.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Dot Jackson
Thank you for participating in the Juneteenth celebration in Brockon, Ann and Anne Marie. It is so important to commemorate this holiday. The street mural is beautiful.
👍👍👍👍👍thanks for being ‘ us ‘ there!! Love…Mary Anne
AMEN, Mary Anne!
Your city has had so many newsworthy activities of late. I pray for you as I read of each victory and tragedy. Love. Martha