Sister Veronica Brand told an audience at Marymount University’s annual Founders Day celebration on Feb. 25 that in her role as a Non-Governmental Organization Representative to the United Nations she speaks for those who may not otherwise be heard.
“Our presence at the U.N. is trying to be a voice for the voiceless, trying to bring the voice from the grassroots to the deliberations,” she said.
As the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary’s (RSHM) NGO representative, Brand works in collaboration with those from other faiths on issues such as fighting to end human trafficking, promoting human rights for migrants and empowering women.
On the day honoring the university’s founding order, she offered historical perspectives on RSHM’s service outreach and explained how that tradition continues in part today with her work.
The celebration began with a 10:30 a.m. Mass at the school’s Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel, followed by a luncheon in Gerard Dining Hall, where Brand made her remarks. She was introduced by Sister Jacqueline Murphy, who was one of Brand’s teachers 50 years ago in Zimbabwe, then known as Rhodesia.
During her talk, Brand quoted the call from Pope Francis to fight poverty and hunger, protect the environment, ensure decent work for all and provide appropriate protection for the family.
“And so we are called to continue our mission to do that with hope and creativity even as we have smaller numbers, relying on the collaboration of all those who work with us,” Brand said.
In the question-and-answer session that followed, Brand said it was important to understand the U.N. is more than its Security Council.
Marymount University was established 65 years ago by the RSHM. “Founders Day is an opportunity to reflect on our history and ways that we can continue to incorporate RSHM values in our lives and work,” said MU President Matthew D. Shank.
Photo Captions:
Photo 1
Marymount University celebrated its Founders Day on Wednesday with Mass at the school’s Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel followed by a luncheon in Gerard Dining Hall, where Sister Veronica Brand spoke of her work as the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary’s Non-Governmental Organization Representative to the United Nations. Pictured from left, Sister Patricia Earl, IHM, Sister Jacqueline Murphy, RSHM, Sister Irene Cody, RSHM, and Sister Brand.
Photo 2
Pictured after the Founders Day celebration at Marymount University on Wednesday, from left, Sister Jacqueline Murphy, RSHM, Sister Veronica Brand, RSHM, Sister Jacquelyn Porter, RSHM, and Sister Irene Cody, RSHM.
Photo 3
The Founders Day celebration at Marymount University began with a 10:30 a.m. Mass on Wednesday at the school’s Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel.
