Two Nuns, Decades of Dedication: A Fight for Immigrant Rights
At the ages of 90 and 95, Sisters JoAnn Persch and Pat Murphy, two Catholic nuns from the Sisters of Mercy, have spent over 40 years advocating for immigrant rights. Despite their advanced age, they remain relentless in their mission, driven by a deep belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect. Faced with the challenges posed by the Trump administration—such as the erosion of sanctuary protections, the stripping of temporary protected status for some immigrants, and the halting of refugee resettlement funding—the sisters have redoubled their efforts. For them, retirement is not an option; they plan to continue their work as long as they have the strength to do so.
“We believe everybody deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Sister JoAnn Persch, her voice filled with emotion as she reflected on the struggles of immigrants. The sisters’ dedication was reignited in 2022 when thousands of immigrants were bused to Chicago from the U.S.-Mexico border. What they saw compelled them to act, and they soon found themselves back in the thick of advocacy, providing housing, food, and legal support to those in need. Their home in Alsip, a suburb south of Chicago, has become a haven for families seeking asylum and a symbol of hope in uncertain times.
A Ministry of Presence: Providing Shelter and Support
The sisters’ efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary. Through their nonprofit organization, Catherine’s Caring Cause, they have housed 25 families over the past three years, covering rent, utilities, and food assistance for up to a year. They also connect families with legal aid, ensuring they have the resources to navigate the complex immigration system. One such family is that of Zuleika, Oscar, and their 14-year-old son, Josafat, who fled Central America seeking safety. The sisters not only provided them with a furnished apartment but also accompanied them to court and offered emotional and spiritual support. “Their impact on our lives has been really big, huge,” Oscar said, reflecting on the sisters’ kindness and unwavering commitment.
For the sisters, this work is not just about providing material support—it’s a deeply spiritual calling. “This was not a coincidence,” Oscar said, referring to the sisters’ role in his family’s life. “This was God who allowed that meeting and for them to help us with everything we’ve been through.” The sisters’ faith is central to their activism, and they often draw strength from Scripture, particularly Matthew 25:35, which reminds them that caring for the stranger is a sacred duty.
Advocacy and Activism: A Lifelong Commitment
Sisters JoAnn and Pat have been arresteds’ advocacy extends far beyond providing shelter. Over the decades, they have been arrested for peacefully protesting in Washington, D.C., on behalf of migrant children and Dreamers. They have also worked tirelessly to change policies, collaborating with organizations like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Their efforts helped pass a state law that limits cooperation between local jails and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), effectively blocking ICE from working with Illinois jails.
Their activism is not limited to politics. Every Friday, Sister JoAnn joins a group of about 20 people—Including union activists, lawyers, and members of the Chicago Archdiocese—for a “day of prayer” outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois. These vigils, which they have organized for over 20 years, are acts of defiance and compassion. Clutching her rosary, Sister JoAnn leads the group in prayers, chants, and songs, urging those gathered to remain steadfast in their commitment to justice. “We got to keep in the struggle,” she said. “This is a unique time, and we’re all needed.”
Inspired by Faith, Driven by Hope
The sisters’ work has inspired others to join the fight for immigrant rights. Organizations like Viator House of Hospitality and Bethany House of Hospitality, which provide support for young men and women fleeing violence, were founded in part due to the sisters’ influence. “Sisters Pat and JoAnn are like the grandmothers of Viator House,” said Corey Brost, the executive director of Viator House. “Their spirit fills this program and everything we do.”
The sisters’ partnership began in the 1960s when they met while opening a Catholic school in Wisconsin. Despite being separated for years—Sister Pat went to Peru, while Sister JoAnn stayed in Chicago—they remained united in their commitment to social justice. Their bond has only grown stronger over time, and they credit their teamwork as a key factor in their success. “To have a team that had the same values, same drive, and you can bounce things off—that’s been extremely helpful,” Sister JoAnn said.
A Legacy of Love and a Future of Hope
As the sisters look to the future, they are heartened by the young people they have encountered. Recently, they spoke to students at Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, where they shared their motivations for continuing their work. “If not us, who? If not now, when?” Sister JoAnn asked. “This is our family. So, when one part of the family’s hurting, we’re all hurting.”
While the sisters are no longer as actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the organizations they founded, they are confident that their work will endure. Catherine’s Caring Cause, for example, will continue to operate through the dedication of volunteers and staff. For Sister JoAnn, the only worry is the broader future of immigration in the United States. “I’m not worried at all about that,” she said, referring to the nonprofit’s future. “I’m worried about the future of immigration. Period.”
Through their unwavering dedication, Sisters JoAnn and Pat have left an indelible mark on the lives of countless immigrants and asylum seekers. Their story is one of faith, resilience, and an unshakable belief in the dignity of all people. As long as there are those in need, their legacy of love and advocacy will continue to inspire others to take up the fight for justice.
