“Following the example of Marie Adèlaïde de Cicé, the Daughters of the Heart of Mary will deeply feel the suffering and distress of their contemporaries. They will take care to protect life and promote integral human development. They will contribute to the changing of mentalities and attitudes to build with others a more just and humane world in which the dignity and rights of all are respected.” – DHM Constitutions
Pope Francis: No tolerance for racism, but without violence
National Black Sisters Conference statement on racism in America: Our Red Record
Racism degrades the Spirit of God which lies within every human being. It denies people their God-given right to live with dignity, respect, liberty and hope. The Daughters of the Heart of Mary are aware of the gifts that diversity offers and are sensitive to the social injustices and inequality which people of color are brought to bear. We stand in solidarity with those affronted by racism, and whose lives are negatively impacted by its various manifestations, whether it is institutional, internalized or individual racism.
The late Francis Cardinal George, OMI, wrote in his 2001 Pastoral Letter on Racism, Dwell in My Love, “The two greatest commandments that Jesus gives us are ‘to love the Lord your God with all your heart, and to love your neighbor as yourself.’ All Christians are called to reflect the love and unity of the Blessed Trinity. For Catholics, this is not an option. We must love our neighbor, not tolerate but love our neighbor. ‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Dwell in my love.’ (John 15:7) Love is the response to all injustice, hatred and racism.”
Resource Links
• Faith and Racial Healing: Embracing Truth, Justice, and Restoration - JustFaith Ministries
• Dwell in My Love, A Pastoral Letter on Racism, by Francis Cardinal George, OMI
• Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing and Training
• People’s Institute for Survival & Beyond
• Southern Poverty Law Center
