Sisters to host public ‘Gathering in Solidarity’ event

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have scheduled a “Gathering in Solidarity” public event to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington, D.C.

Persons of all faith traditions are invited to attend the gathering, which will take place at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 21, in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

The local event will address the belief that we must commit ourselves to advancing human rights for all people and practicing empathy to build understanding across differences. These principles will be addressed by various speakers, including Sisters of Providence in initial formation, Sisters of Providence who committed themselves to love, mercy and justice decades ago, and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin herself (portrayed by Sister Ann Casper) visiting from the nineteenth century.

Sister Joni Luna helped organize the event with other women in initial formation with the Sisters of Providence.

“We have an annual meeting of the newer members (of the Congregation) so we decided to incorporate the march into our weekend,” Sister Joni said. “We wanted to show solidarity with those going to Washington, D.C.”

It is estimated that close to 200,000 women and allies will participate in the Women’s March on Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, the day following the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Organizers of the national event and the Sisters of Providence have stressed the solidarity event is not in protest of the incoming President.

“Our goal is to send a positive message about civil society, mutual respect, human rights, and the democratic process,” Sister Joni said. “This is not an anti-Trump event.”

Sister marches like the “Gathering in Solidarity” event will take place in many cities across the country and around the world on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Currently, more than 50 women from the Wabash Valley are planning to attend the march in Washington, D.C., including several students and a few Sisters of Providence. Sister Barbara Battista said she will be attending.

Sister Barbara said when she learned the Washington, D.C., rally had a specific focus on women’s rights, she wanted to attend.

“We are at a very important moment in our nation’s history and in our society where we need persons who are willing to stand up and say some things from a more positive perspective,” Sister Barbara said. “We need more and more folks to invest time, effort and energy into offering an alternative approach.”