PBMR: the New Creation
South Side Hospitality
by Sr. Bela Mis, c.pp.s.
As part of my second year of Novitiate, I had the
opportunity to learn, meet and share more closely
in the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in
Chicago (pbmr). How can I describe my experience
during these three months? pbmr is a special and
unique place; the first thing that you notice is that
every person is welcome! When people come into the
center there is always a cup of coffee or tea to offer
them. This is a very nice way to welcome each person
and make them feel special and honored. Sitting down
then at the welcome table, a very pleasant conversa-
tion is usually initiated with some of the young people
who attend the program or with one of the mothers
or some other visitor. This gives a warm feeling and a
sense of being at home.
During my three-month summer experience, I had
the opportunity to interact with many different people
in various activities. One was helping in the garden.
Being there I began to realize how the people marvel at
seeing the garden with so many fresh vegetables. It was
very nice to see happy people leaving the garden with
their vegetables and talking about how they would
prepare them. The garden and flowers located in the
center of the Reconciliation Center offer the neighbors
a nice and healing space to meet and contemplate the
beauty of God in nature.
I was able to realize that the needs that come each
day to pbmr are diverse, and often times difficult to
hear. However, what is important is the offering of
time to listen, just being present, providing a safe place
where stories can be told and youth can share their
fears and concerns in circle with others who under-
stand. It is about giving a helping hand, and encourag-
ing our youth to discover their talents—and to dream
of living beyond the age of 25. This type of presence
may not be noticeable to the naked eye, but so helps
our youth feel supported and motivated to continue
making their way toward a better future.
As a native Guatemalan, it is very exciting for me
to see pbmr inviting the Hispanic families who live
in the neighborhood to a closer relationship. Because
I speak Spanish I was able to assist with connect-
ing Hispanic families with pbmr. As I became more
acquainted with the neighborhood, I could welcome
Sr. Bela Mis and one of the neighborhood children at pbmr
our Hispanic neighbors to the Restorative Justice
Café at pbmr. There we had space and time to talk
about different topics and the many struggles that
they have to face. We gathered and shared stories,
food, and laughter, showing solidarity with each
other but also celebrating our joys and having such a
welcoming place.
The opportunity to share with the mothers that
participate in pbmr made me think a lot about God's
love. This is because when someone asks how much
can a mother love her child, the answer could be that
a mother has a heart large enough to love into infin-
ity. The truth is that their love does goes beyond to the
infinite, because they walk with their children regard-
less of the circumstances. Some of the families have
children incarcerated, murdered, caught up in the
streets—and yet they remain steadfast in their love for
their children. It is an example of unconditional love;
the same love God has for all of us!
This has been an experience of Faith and Action
for me, because the Amen that I profess in the
Eucharist and that I will profess on December 9th
continued on page 13
November 2017 • The New Wine Press • 11