As part of my second year of novitiate, I had the opportunity to learn, meet and share more closely in the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) in Chicago. How can I describe my experience during these three months? PBMR is a special and unique place; the first thing that you notice is that every person is welcome! When people come in to the center there is always a cup of coffee or tea to offer them. This is a very nice way to welcome each person and make each one feel special and honored! Sitting down then at the welcome table, usually a very pleasant conversation is initiated with some of the young people who attend the program or one of the mothers or some other visitor. This gives a warm feeling and a feeling of being at home.
During my three-month summertime experience, I had the opportunity to interact with many different people in various activities. One of the activities was helping in the garden. There, I began to realize how the people marvel at seeing the garden with so many fresh vegetables. It was very nice to see people leaving the garden so happy with their vegetables and talking about how they would prepare them. The garden and flowers located in the center of the PBMR offer the neighbors a nice and healing space to meet and contemplate the beauty of God in nature.
I was able to realize that the needs that come each day to PBMR are diverse and oftentimes are difficult to hear. However, it is the offering time to listen, just being present, providing a safe place where stories can be told and youth can share their fears and concerns in circle with others who understand. It is about giving a helping hand and encouraging our youth to discover their talents and to dream of living beyond 25. This type of presence may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but it helps our youth feel supported and motivated to continue making their way toward a better future.
It is very exciting for me, as a native Guatemalan, to see PBMR inviting the Hispanic families who live in the neighborhood to a closer relationship. Because I speak Spanish, I was able to assist with connecting Hispanic families with PBMR. As I became more acquainted with the neighborhood, I could welcome our Hispanic neighbors to the Restorative Justice Café at PBMR. There, we had space and time to talk about different topics and the many struggles that our neighbors have to face. We gathered and shared stories, food and laughter, showing solidarity with each other but also celebrating our joys and having such a welcoming place.
The opportunity to share with the mothers that participate in PBMR made me think a lot about God’s love because when someone asks, “How much can a mother love her child?” the answer could be that a mother has a huge heart to love into infinity. The truth is that their love does go beyond to the infinite because they walk with their children regardless of the circumstances. Some of the families have children incarcerated, murdered or caught up in the streets, and those families remain steadfast in their love for their children. It is such an example of unconditional love — the same love God has for all of us!
This has been an experience of faith and action. The “Amen” that I profess in the Eucharist — and I will profess my first vows as a Sister of the Precious Blood on December 9 — invites me to meet my brothers and sisters who suffer in different ways in our society with that same unconditional love. I feel my main call is to love, to serve and to walk with those who are suffering even when it is not easy. It is Christ who unites us through his Precious Blood and invites us to be Eucharist, to be givers of life in our broken world, to bring hope, healing and hospitality.
[Ed. note. This article originally appeared in PBMR’s New Creation column. Used with permission.]
– Story by Sister Bela Mis
Sister Bela Mis with a girl from the PBMR community; contributed photo