Mercy in Motion: Student Leaders Take Action on Immigration

From June 15–18, fifty high school students and faculty came together at the Conference of Mercy Student Leaders to explore the Mercy Critical Concern for Immigration. Held at St. Xavier University in Chicago and organized by the Mercy Education, the conference offered a unique opportunity for students to grow in leadership skills, deepen their understanding of social justice issues, and connect across borders.

Participants represented a diverse and vibrant international cohort from the following Mercy schools:

• Assumption High School – Louisville, Kentucky
• Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” – Kingston, Jamaica
• Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School – Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania
• Instituto María Regina – La Ceiba, Honduras
• Mercy Academy – Louisville, Kentucky
• Merion Mercy Academy – Merion Station, Pennsylvania
• Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School – Chicago, Illinois
• Muffles College – Orange Walk Town, Belize
• St. Catherine Academy – Belize City, Belize
• St. Mary Academy – Bay View – Riverside, Rhode Island

This bilingual, intercultural experience was enriched by interpreters Sisters Katie Mindling and Mary Ellen Brody, RSM, who helped foster communication and connection across languages and cultures.

A screening of In God Alone set the tone for reflection, followed by a presentation by Sister Nancy Houlihan, RSM, to consider how Catherine McAuley’s legacy continues through the lives and leadership of today’s Mercy students. Leadership development sessions, led by Kimberly Baxter, Associate Director for Programs and Services for Mercy Education, challenged participants to recognize their individual gifts and explore how collaboration rooted in nonviolence can effect lasting change.

Students shared presentations on how their school communities live out the Mercy Education Core Values and the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns, bringing forward powerful examples of Mercy in action.

Sister JoAnn Persch, RSM, shared her experiences walking with the “two feet of justice,” putting her love in action accompanying migrants in the Chicago area for over four decades. As a hands-on expression of that spirit, students hosted a joyful Carneval for families supported by Catherine’s Caring Cause, complete with face painting, bracelet making, fútbol, dancing, food, and fellowship. They also prepared more than 300 sandwich packs for the Port Ministries Bread Truck, which were distributed to unhoused people in Chicago that very evening.

Mercy Volunteer Corps missioners spoke about their year of service and community living. Jean Stokan of the Sisters of Mercy Justice Team brought the spirit of advocacy alive with powerful stories and practical tools for public witness, emphasizing prayer, presence, and policy as pathways to justice for migrants.

Each school group created a plan to continue their advocacy and awareness efforts with their school community, ensuring that the work of justice would not end with the conference. A closing liturgy and blessing ritual, accompanied by the singing of “The Circle of Mercy,” reminded all present that the bonds they formed and the mission they share extend far beyond four days in Chicago.

View more photos here!