Holy Family has sheltered children in need for 118 years
that was the year it began absorbingcriticism for it, too.
Some critics and neighbors were concerned that some of the kids could be child soldiers, or gang members, or haveinfectious diseases.
None of those fears came true.But the venom was even more intensified earlier this year when Holy Family cared for fewer than two dozen children who were separated from their parents at thesouthern border.
Among other critical calls and messages, Sister Linda said she was accused of acting “like Hitler” because accepting the children was, in one critic’s mind, tantamount to supporting the family separation policy.
“I think some people are just really against any migration of people from Central America,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s because their skin is brown or because of information that is often in the news about how notorious gang members make it into America.”
For those who did not understand why they agreed to help, she said: “Remember, we’re Catholic. Our popes have spoken on this issue. This is something we’re called to do because it’s part of our faith.”
Sister Linda said she never believed the zero tolerance policy would last very long “because it was wrong.”
Allof the children they took in who were separated from their parents were reunited with them by the end of July, she said, including one child whom Sister Linda helped escortback to her family.
“It was good to see it throughto the end,” she said.
Now that the separation policy is over, and criticism of Holy Family has waned, the institute has another looming challenge in the not-too-distant future.
Sister Linda is now 65 and the last of her order working at Holy Family, which used to have more than 40 working there.
“I am the last sister on campus right now,” she said.
She plans on working in her position for years to come, but, she said, “it’s very likely the next administration will bea lay administrator.”
Will that change Holy Family’s ability to navigate changes and still adhere to its missionand continue to exist?
“I think as long as we stay relevant to what needs to be done,” she said, “I think Holy Family Institute will be aroundfor another 100 years.”