Helen Gourlay, BVM

Milwaukee, WI

I bridge divides by visiting a young African-American man in prison. I’ve known him and his family since he was a child. I learn about his struggles, hopes, and dreams and about the spiritual journey he is on. I share with him and am a mentor for him as he hopes soon to be released.

Also I am in a Pax Christi group at church. Particularly in the book Healing the Heart of Democracy by Parker Palmer we looked at ways Democrats and Republicans can better understand each other to heal our divides.

Also, we studied Joy of the Gospel by Pope Francis and this year will study Laudato Si, the Pope’s encyclical on care of the earth. When I can, I attend local events related to peace and justice issues—just recently, for example, attended an evening on “Black Lives Matter.” I also strive to be non-violent in my thoughts, words, actions.