BVMs Inspire Young Social Justice Seeker
Mira Gibbons says “I will continue to protest and volunteer, but really the adults need to do more . . . I’m a child.”
From the Salt Winter 2021 issue
You never know who is watching when you stand up, speak out, or march for what you believe in.
The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary didn’t know how their presence would impress a 9-year-old so much that she named them as her “religious heroes.”
Mira Gibbons witnessed BVM stands on a shared, long-held value.
“Mira has been really interested in social justice issues since she was about 3,” says her mother, Jennifer Gibbons.
The lived in Dubuque, Iowa, until two years ago and saw BVMs at marches about climate change, peace, and rights for women and Dreamers.
“She would often ask me why we didn’t see her teachers or people from her school, and I would point out the BVM sisters who were always there, on the right side of justice and unafraid to stand up for it,” Jennifer says. “That made her very happy.
“Perhaps the most profound event was the Pulse nightclub shooting vigil. We volunteered to hand out candles at an entrance and stationed near us were some anti-gay protestors who held a very large sign with a misinterpreted Bible verse on it. Mira was upset and asked me how anyone could do that,” Jennifer says. “As we walked we again saw the BVM sisters at the vigil supporting the victims and I think that really meant a lot to her, especially juxtaposed against the hateful side of religion on the perimeter.
“They really are a truly inspiring group, always showing up on the right side of humanity, using religion not to divide, but to support,” Jennifer says.
Initially, Mira decided not to dress up for her school’s religious hero day.
“But the night before it she said, ‘What about those sisters who were always at the protests and have the immigrant billboards?’ And we looked up the quote, made a button, and it was settled,” Jennifer says. The billboard says, “I was a stranger (crossed out and replaced by immigrant) and you welcomed me,” signed by Jesus (Matthew 25:35).
Empathy Beyond Her Years
“I have always made an effort to speak honestly with Mira about the issues that impact our lives and the lives of those around us, but she has taken it to a higher level than I ever had before she was born. I am very proud of her empathy, which at age 9 exceeds most adults I know.”
Recent events only increased her desire for justice.
“After the George Floyd murder, I was uneasy protesting because of COVID-19 and possible violence, but Mira insisted,” Jennifer says.
Just as she was inspired by the BVMs, maybe others will be inspired by Mira.
“I’m feeling worried and concerned because of the state of our country and our president. I will continue to protest and volunteer, but really the adults need to do more . . . I’m a child,” Mira says.
Following Jennifer’s Facebook post about Mira honoring the BVMs, Congregation Secretary Kate Hendel, BVM sent her a note of thanks and BVM immigration T-shirts.
Kate says BVMs are honored by Mira naming them as her religious heroes. “As a young woman, you join with us in reminding others that people from other lands and other faiths are truly our brothers and sisters.”
About the author: Mary Glindinning is a communications specialist for the Sisters of Charity, BVM in Dubuque, Iowa.
This story was featured in:
Fall 2020: BVM Legacy of Justice In this issue of Salt, we explore justice by educating ourselves about racism, continuing BVM missions through partnerships and scholarships, and being grateful for the commitment to social justice of a 9-year-old who sees BVMs as her “religious heroes.”
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