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