serving rather than being served needs to be up front and center in our preaching. The Paschal Mystery— dying to one’ s self to bring life— is the antithesis of selfcenteredness and needs to be the core of our preaching and our lives. This promise of New Life can dispel fear.
In a time such as ours, where fear and“ me / us first” seem to be the norm, our work of reconciliation and proclaiming all as part of the same family may seem strangely out of place. Sometimes we may be actively opposed and criticized. Hopefully we won’ t let our fear stop us from promoting / living our charisms, compassionately speaking the truth, and mirroring the Love of God which brings all together. �
Mural, continued from page 7
Mrs. Wingard, the eldest and wisest in the group and a member of criic, shared her reflections on the day: " Just to remember that I put a paint brush on the wall and Fr. Kelly and Julie and Sr. Donna are gonna walk through there and see the mural and I thought‘ Wow, I really feel a part of that’... And then to think about them getting the house and putting something on the wall that actually reaches out to the community. [ The mural ] shows families coming together and it’ s not just one ethnicity. It’ s not just black, not just white, not just Latino: it’ s everyone coming together for a common cause, for our children, for our community.”
Shumeka Taylor, a representative of the Young Women’ s Group, said that putting the handprints and
quotes on the wall was her favorite part.“ The hands was so nice. We all who had been doing the part of the wall and engraving our names and a nice quote and that’ s something that’ s going to live forever in the house and I like that.” Shumeka added“ From the older women to the young women, I truly enjoyed it. The older lady put the French braid in my hair while I painted the rest of the mural because they didn’ t want paint to get in my 26 inches. I greatly appreciated everything that went on that day.”
Aldena Brown, a member of the Mothers’ Healing Circles, felt Helen Keller’ s quote“ Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much” captured the essence of the day.“ That day of the painting felt good. Everyone working together, good laughs, music, and food! That moment was like nothing mattered. Painting that mural was everything, just being a part of something so meaningful. That gave my heart joy and peace in that moment. My mind drifted to a great place pushing that paintbrush. Yes, I must say that will be a day I’ ll never forget! I was a part of that painting coming to life! I’ m very thankful!”
The women of pbmr are leaving their legacy all over pbmr and the neighborhood, from the relationships they make to the steps they take towards their goals to the beautiful mural that will greet all the visitors of the Center. From now on, every person who walks through the doors of the Mother Brunner House will know that the women in the community are an integral part of pbmr: strong, unified, and here to stay. �
Creators of the Mother’ s Mural; Leah Landry is center, front row.
March 2018 • The New Wine Press • 9