Search Results: ‘Mary McCauley’

Sister Mary McCauley, former pastoral administrator for the region that includes St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Postville, has been selected by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women to receive the 2009 Christine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice.

Time may not have necessarily healed all wounds in Postville following last year’s massive federal immigration raid, but it has dulled the pain enough for demonstrators to approach immigration with a considered thoughtfulness not seen previously.

A year ago today, Sister Mary McCauley, pastoral administrator for the region that includes St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Postville, was greeted by a parishioner with the following words: “Sister, a terrible thing has happened to our town.”

News coverage of the raid in Postville generated more calls for comprehensive immigration reform from leaders across the country, but real reform remains elusive.

Because the women entered the country without proper documentation, they cannot legally earn wages. Because the women have the ankle devices, they cannot leave. And it could be months before they even have a hearing.

No matter which side of the national debate you’re on, this weekend will be a big one in Postville.

The scene at St. Bridget’s Church in Postville isn’t so much different from what might be found at any facility where people in need gather for help. Children build forts out of rocks from the flower beds in front, knock them down, laugh and build again. Young adults chat on cell phones while waiting. Adults, [...]