As a native of Northampton, I was especially moved to read Mary McMahon’s recent guest column about the history and current status of the former St. Mary’s Parish. I hope that her article ignites a fire within the Faith, Peace & Justice and Smith Communities. Smith has graduated many extraordinary women and Mollie Rogers, the founder of Maryknoll, is among them. She has gifted the world with communities of women and men, both lay and religious, who have given their lives in support of marginalized people around the globe. In some cases, their commitment has actually resulted in the shedding of their blood and actual loss of life. Many of the desperate persons they continue to serve are the same ones that our president currently chooses to demonize.
I hope that St. Mary’s will live on in tribute to Mollie Rogers and those who have followed in her footsteps. Although I am now a resident of Alabama, I remember the freezing winter temperatures of the Northampton area well. Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus were once refugees in need of shelter. In the spirit of the season, I suggest that the vacant buildings at St. Mary’s currently be made available as a sanctuary for the homeless population in the city. Hopefully, in the spirit of Mollie Rogers and Maryknoll, future plans for the building and grounds will develop as a source of dedicated service to persons in need. Then the spires of the former church will live on as signs of compassionate care for all of God’s people. I firmly believe that Northampton has the gifted, compassionate people and the resources to make it happen. May it be so.
Kathleen Christa Murphy, O.S.B.
Sacred Heart Monastery
Cullman, Alabama