Sister members of the Albany Campus Social Justice Committee were making plans to bring their “Bread for the World Offering of Letters” to Rep. Paul Tonko’s office. When the Congressman learned that several of the sisters were on walkers and wheelchairs and would arrive by van, he said he would come to visit them. We were joined by Marie Copeland, Lady of Charity with whom we collaborate at Mary’s Corner Outreach Center and in Advocacy efforts.
The Saint Louise Community Room lent to a informal, and friendly exchange. The Congressman was surprised to learn of our early French foundation and how forward-thinking Saints Vincent and Louise were approaching governments to partner in service to persons living in poverty.
In our advocating for the various titles in the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, the sisters linked the federal funds to our local ministries where some of our sisters serve. For example, the need to fund the Food Banks sufficiently to meet the growing demand on local pantries due to the influx of many refugees to our area. Sister Chris Mura described the proposed linkages to SNAP-WIC programs and how this would continue to assist the undocumented families with whom she ministers on the dairy farms in our area. Sister Maura Hobart spoke of her work teaching English to an Afghan Refugee family. Sisters Madeline Kavanagh and Gloria Esposito shared their encounters with families coming to Mary’s Corner who need translation so they can select foods and other items. Sister Kathleen Natwin spoke of funding USDA so it would be able to meet the needs of the Food Banks from which the pantries draw their supplies.
Representative Tonko shared his concerns about the people we are accustomed to serving and expressed his dismay at the lack of proposed funding for the various titles in the Farm Bill and was preparing to speak to some like-minded members of the Appropriations Committee. Often, he added and affirmed our advocacy efforts. One sister, after Paul left, remarked that even though he is up for re-election he never once mentioned the election or of his candidacy. In closing he told us that tomorrow, he was attending the Mass in Fonda at the Shrine of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, her feast day and would pray for our ministries.