Singing the praises of Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, came easily to Hon. Jeh Johnson, Former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Concordia Leadership Council Member. This year’s recipient of the Concordia Leadership Award for the nonprofit sector has spent her career living her Christian values at the U.S. southern border, providing food, clothing, and hope to migrants desperate for a better life. All the while, she has steered clear of politics and debate, helping to honor life and restore human dignity.
Pimentel described her work on the border as simply helping people who want jobs and better lives for their families. Many of them have undertaken a difficult journey to flee violence with the hope of safety in America. They should be welcomed with kindness and care, even if they are ultimately turned back to their home countries. We must create laws and policies that respect human life: it is not enough to make the country safe, we must also make sure migrants are safe.
“She literally feeds the hungry, clothes those who are almost naked [and] gives a thirsty person a drink.”
Hon. Jeh Johnson, Former Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Concordia Leadership Council Member
“I see mothers, fathers, and children in desperate need of restoring their dignity.”
Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
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