Solidarity I
“Solidarity means...thinking and acting in terms of community.” (Pope Francis, Fratelli tutti no. 116)
“We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters' keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace.” (USCCB)
“Wanting to inaugurate a kingdom of justice, fraternity and solidarity, God has a special place in his heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed, and he asks us, his Church, to make a decisive and radical choice in favor of the weakest.” (Pope Leo XIV, Dilexi te no. 16)
WHAT IS SOLIDARITY?
"Solidarity simply means being present to people,” according to Jennifer Tomshack, Communications Manager for Maryknoll Lay Missioners (MKLM). Missioners accompany people in their daily lives, living and working alongside them in the local community. They serve as neighbors in a collaborative ministry, listening first to learn from the wisdom that is already present. In doing so, Maryknoll missioners are faithful witnesses, seeing Christ in the people they serve and fulfilling their ministries as an expression of being “one body in Christ”.
HOW DO THE MARYKNOLL LAY MISSIONERS PRACTICE SOLIDARITY?
“Solidarity is at the heart of who we are,”says Jennifer. Maryknoll missioners minister to communities who have been marginalized in extreme ways, standing with them as advocates to amplify their voices in the quest for peace and justice. Missioners are asked to commit a minimum of 3.5 years to a specific site, which allows them to cultivate deep trust and mutual friendship with the communities they serve. They also raise awareness in the US about the interconnectedness of global issues, furthering the scope of solidarity and inviting others to support the mission.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
The long-standing Deaf Development Program in Cambodia has been one of several positive success stories for MKLM. In fact, a Maryknoll missioner invented Cambodian sight language! By supporting access to education and workforce development, MKLM has empowered hearing impaired individuals that are often overlooked members of society to recognize their God-given talents. The dignity of these people has been restored when they find a satisfying profession that allows them to become independent and contribute to society.
The elderly are another group in society that can face challenges, especially in communities that are economically strained. MKLM has taken on an advocacy role in Bolivia by organizing people to give them a sense of empowerment in getting policies enacted that will ensure they are taken care of.
MKLM also exhibits solidarity in action together with immigrants at the US/Mexico border in El Paso, Texas. An immigration attorney takes on cases of human trafficking that can compromise the status of refugees. Another missioner accompanies migrants as they try to navigate the court system, communicating with them in their own language, so they don’t feel so alone.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Prayers are always appreciated for both active missioners and those discerning a call to ministry. If you know someone who might be a great missioner, encourage them to explore opportunities on the MKLM website MKLM.org. You can also invite a MKLM representative to your parish or organization to evangelize about the importance of global missions. Finally, Maryknoll Lay Missioners is always grateful for any financial support as well.