On June 24, 2025, Catholic sisters from across the United States convened on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., for a public witness event titled “Sisters Speak Out: A Prayer and Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy.” The gathering aimed to advocate for compassionate immigration policies and economic justice, reflecting the sisters’ commitment to social equity.
Organized by the Justice Conference of Women Religious and supported by over 50 congregations and Catholic organizations, the event responded to proposed federal budget cuts and policies that faith-based groups argue would harm immigrant communities and those living in poverty. The sisters engaged in prayer, public witness, and a peaceful procession around the U.S. Capitol, including a public Rosary, a press gathering, and spiritual reflection to draw attention to immigration justice and compassionate economic policy .
The demonstration addressed recent proposals to reduce funding for vital social support programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), alongside efforts to increase deportations and cut environmental protections. Organizers viewed these measures as threats to vulnerable communities. By gathering publicly in prayer, the Catholic sisters aimed to offer a strong moral witness rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching .
Prominent speakers at the event included Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, who addressed the proposed $150 billion in new immigration enforcement spending. Sister Mary Haddad, RSM, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, spoke against cuts to Medicaid. Sister Maggie Gannon, OSF, co-founder of ACCESS Community Center in Chester, Pennsylvania, highlighted concerns over growing food insecurity resulting from cuts to SNAP. Sister Reg McKillip, OP, of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, emphasized the threats to ministries in education, health care, and social services .
The event also featured a public Rosary procession around Capitol Hill, with each decade focusing on a justice-related theme. Participants concluded with a final reflection and outreach, sharing symbolic messages with lawmakers, followed by a closing blessing and dismissal .
The “Sisters Speak Out” event reflects the long-standing commitment of religious sisters to immigrant ministry and advocacy. Many congregations involved have provided direct services to migrants, asylum seekers, and the poor. The Capitol Hill gathering is one of several actions taken by sisters across the country to call for a more just and humane approach to public policy .
