In top photo: Participants traverse the grounds of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, as they participate in the Stations of the Cross for Social Justice. Carol Olivieri photo
They came from Tinton Falls and Lavallette, Absecon and Hopewell Valley, and even the greater Philadelphia area, with a desire to give witness to human dignity.
More than 80 individuals hailing from the Dioceses of Trenton, Camden and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gathered in early May for Stations of the Cross for Social Justice. Hosted by St. Joan of Arc Parish in Marlton, the event was held in connection with the national Season of Faithful Witness initiative, which calls Catholics “to prayer, to seek moral clarity rooted in the Gospel, and to offer faithful public witness grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.” The season began Ash Wednesday and ended on Corpus Christi, June 4.
Photo Gallery — Stations of the Cross for Social Justice
Photo Gallery — Stations of the Cross for Social Justice
Participants processed from station to station set up on the grounds of St. Joan of Arc Parish. Each station drew attention to a different violation of human dignity, such as poverty, racial violence, gun violence, destruction of the earth, domestic violence, the separation of immigrant families, or illegal incarceration and death in ICE detention facilities.
Prayer and Solidarity
Father John Michael Patilla, St. Joan parochial vicar, led the opening prayer and the dedication of each Station. Participants sang as they walked from one station to the next.
Brenda Rascher, executive director of Catholic Social Services for the Diocese of Trenton, read a letter from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.: “I am encouraged that Catholics across New Jersey and across the nation are joining in this Season of Faithful Witness, standing in solidarity with those whose dignity is threatened and praying for our common home, whose destruction drives migration,” the Bishop wrote. “As you stand in peaceful witness, remember: The Lord Jesus is with you, saying, ‘Do not be afraid.’ Place your trust in him. Thank you for your witness.”
Maureen Quinn drove over an hour from Spring Lake to participate in the Marlton event. A member of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish in Spring Lake, Quinn had read about the event in The Monitor. The event immediately appealed to her, she said, because of the U.S. bishops’ November pastoral “that encouraged us to accompany immigrants on their journey.”
She added, “Many things we do are private, such as private prayer or donating money, but there are fewer opportunities for public witness.”
Changing the Conversation
St. Joan parishioner Lia Romero, coordinator of the parish’s Love in Action: Life, Justice and Creation Ministry, learned about the Faithful Witness initiative, and parishioners began planning. Marlton sits at the border of the Trenton and Camden dioceses, so parish representatives from both dioceses became involved.
“I think there is new energy,” said Romero, referring to the USCCB Pastoral Message. “We stand in solidarity with those experiencing violations of their human dignity.”
SueAnn Jeral, pastoral minister for Adult Faith Formation in St. Joan Parish, echoed the commitment to human dignity when she welcomed participants.
“We proclaim today a vision that is rooted in mercy and love, in Catholic Social Teaching as well as in our Gospel and believing in our hearts that all children of God are worthy of all dignity and respect,” Jeral said.
“I came to put my faith into action and support my brothers and sisters,” said Father Gerard Marable. The pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Galloway moved from station to station, at times holding a sign saying “Protect Our Holy Family” or one showing a diverse group of people standing in front of a “Welcome” sign.
Margot Quinn of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Lavallette was “so impressed that we prayed for people in ICE and running detention centers. We prayed for people I haven’t been very nice to in talking about them.”
“I think people are starving for this,” said one participant. “Immigrants are our friends and coworkers. They are terrified.”
