Sidelights
Sr. Maureen
Serves on Panel
by Elizabeth Fiorite, OP
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| From left: Sr. Maureen Kelley and Fr. Ed Rooney |
Maureen Kelley, OP, was a panelist at an Oct. 30 event titled “A Conversation with Heroes of Catholic Social Teaching” at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Orange Park, FL. Nearly 200 people attended. Maureen served as coordinator of the St. Catherine of Siena Parish Justice and Peace Ministry. During the panel discussion, she explained the difference between direct service to the economically poor and the importance of educating ourselves to addressing root causes of poverty and injustice. Maureen told of her experiences as principal of Most Pure Heart of Mary School, Mobile, AL, during the civil rights movement. She shared stories of participation in marches and demonstrations as well as promoting the rights of the school children to participate in diocesan events as equitably as the white schools. Panelist Msgr. James Boddie shared his experiences of being the first black priest ordained in Florida. Panelist Fr. Ed Rooney talked about his coming to Selma, AL, as a newly ordained priest from Ireland and his experience on Bloody Sunday at the Edmond Pettus Bridge in 1965. All three panelists stressed their lifelong commitment to the struggle for civil rights, the necessity of a strong prayer life, and the importance of the support of a loving and inclusive community working together.