Norma
Norma
Pimentel, MJ
Pimentel, MJ
Good Friday is a time of prayer. A time of reflection on the cross.
Everything that we fear, we see in the cross. We see in the cross pain, suffering, shame, defeat, failure, humiliation. And yet it is also a symbol of victory. The victory of Jesus’ love for us.
The love of God is more powerful than anything we fear.
In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear of the suffering servantreminding us that Jesus took upon Himself the weight of our sins. This is a profound truth that also shapes our present. Turning to Jesus’ love in response to all that we face in our lives today.
The second reading from Hebrews speaks to the heart of Jesus. He teaches us about vulnerability and the power of love. Pope Francis encourages us to let this love transform our hearts, urging us to extend compassion to those around us, especially the marginalized and suffering.
In the Gospel of John, we witness the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus. Each moment is filled with injustice and suffering, but it is also filled with purpose. We can see in Jesus’ suffering a path to understanding our own struggles. In moments of despair we can find consolation in knowing Jesus is with us, and see our pain as part of our journey toward redemption.
We are called to be agents of hope in our world. Just as Christ was our light, let us strive to be a light for those struggling in life today, making the message of Good Friday one of transformative love.
On this holiest of day of the Easter Triduum, Good Friday, might we consider answering Jesus, “Whom are you looking for?” And could our answer be:
To just be with the Lord in his hour of death.
Looking for the one I Love,
the one I believe in,
the one I trust.
I want to be with my Beloved,
my ALL.
We adore you, O Christ, and we Praise You,
Because by your Holy Cross You have redeemed the world.
Norma Pimentel, MJ
Norma Pimentel, MJ
Sister Norma Pimentel has become one of the most recognized leaders in our nation today. As Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, she oversees the charitable branch of the Diocese of Brownsville, the second largest Catholic Diocese in the United States. Sister Pimentel has over twenty years of experience in providing oversight to a diverse set of ministries and social services in the Rio Grande Valley such as homeless prevention, disaster relief, clinical counseling, pregnancy care, food assistance, and humanitarian relief to immigrants.
In 2014, during the influx of immigrants entering the United States through the Southern Border, Sister Pimentel with the support of the local community established the Humanitarian Respite Center, providing a safe space for immigrants to rest before continuing their journey to other parts of the United States. Ten years later, the Humanitarian Respite Center has become the largest respite center in our country, welcoming over half a million immigrants in the course of ten years. More than just providing immediate humanitarian care, Sister Pimentel has become a voice for immigrant families reminding us that they are not numbers but ratherhuman beings who should be respected and treated with dignity.
Sister Pimentel holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Pan American University, a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University in Chicago. She also holds over five honorary doctoral degrees from some of the most prestigious universities in our nation such as the University of Norte Dame.
Furthermore, known as the Pope’s favorite nun, Sister Pimentel is also an artist whose paintings have captivated numerous audiences.
October 17 at 7pm ET: Join Catholic Women Preach, FutureChurch, contributors to the Year C book, and co-editors Elizabeth Donnelly and Russ Petrus as we celebrate the release of the third and final volume of this ground-breaking, award winning series.
"Catholic Women Preach is one of the more inspiring collection of homilies available today. Based on the deep spirituality and insights of the various women authors, the homilies are solidly based on the scriptures and offer refreshing and engaging insights for homilists and listeners. The feminine perspective has long been absent in the preached word, and its inclusion in this work offers a long overdue and pastorally necessary resource for the liturgical life of the Church." - Catholic Media Association
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