In Chicago, two resilient Catholic nuns in their nineties have spent over four decades fighting for the rights of immigrants with determination and compassion. Even against the recent policies of the Trump administration, which have threatened sanctuary practices, and discontinued refugee resettlement funds, Sister JoAnn Persch, 90, and Sister Pat Murphy, 95, remain undeterred in their mission, driven by their faith and a firm belief in treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Residing in Alsip, a suburb south of Chicago, the nuns do not shy away from speaking against derogatory terms used for immigrants, as it deeply troubles them and the families they assist who share similar fears.
Though they were contemplating retirement after the COVID-19 pandemic’s decline, the decision to step back was abruptly reversed in 2022 when a wave of immigrants was transported from the U.S.-Mexico border to Chicago. The sisters promptly resumed their advocacy efforts, initially accommodating a Sierra Leonean mother and her children in their home. As more asylum-seekers arrived, they expanded their assistance through a new nonprofit, Catherine’s Caring Cause, which now supports over 17 families by providing them with housing, food, and legal aid.
Families assisted by the organization, like Zuleika and her husband Oscar, who fled Central America for safety, have expressed profound gratitude for the sisters’ support, which included furnishing their apartment and aiding them at court dates. Their shared Christian beliefs have fostered a strong bond with the nuns, who are seen as a blessing in their challenging journey.
While these families have taken legal steps, such as applying for asylum and securing work permits, the atmosphere of fear persists due to the policies targeting immigrants. Various immigrant support initiatives have been put in place by the nuns, including distributing “know your rights” information and training sessions conducted in English and Spanish.
Apart from organizing community outreach, the sisters also partake in advocacy events. Every Friday morning, they faithfully join protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, Illinois, alongside lawyers, union activists, and members of the Chicago Archdiocese, engaging in what they describe as a “day of prayer” against deportation.
Sister JoAnn and Sister Pat crafted a lifelong partnership rooted in their youth when they met in the 1960s, launching a Catholic school in Wisconsin. Their shared philosophy of helping those in need has led them through numerous protests and legal initiatives over the decades, one of which ultimately resulted in state legislation limiting jails’ cooperation with immigration authorities.
Their impact has inspired similar projects, such as Viator House of Hospitality, which supports young men fleeing violence, and Bethany House of Hospitality for young women. Father Corey Brost, an executive director of Viator House, acknowledges the nuns’ foundational influence on their work.
Drawing inspiration from Scripture and messages from Pope Francis advocating for immigrant support, the sisters continue engaging with the next generation. During a recent talk with students at Chicago’s Mount Carmel High School, Sister JoAnn addressed the significance of their work, emphasizing collective family responsibility.
Although Sister JoAnn and Sister Pat no longer manage all the organizations they founded, their influence persists through dedicated mentors and staff who continue the mission. Their confidence in Catherine’s Caring Cause to thrive after their tenure reflects their unwavering commitment to advancing immigrant rights. As Sister JoAnn reflects on the uncertain future of immigration policies, the nuns remain steadfast in their cause, committed to responding whenever and wherever needed.
