Archdiocesan sister advocates for most vulnerable on Capitol Hill
Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang, the Archdiocese of Newark’s liaison to the Chinese community, joined representatives from Catholic dioceses, organizations and universities nationwide to advocate for the most vulnerable during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) from Jan. 25-28 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
This year’s CSMG focused on the theme “Missionaries of Hope, Advocates for Justice,” with delegates visiting their congressional representatives on Jan. 28. Before they went out, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, the USCCB’s president, advised the group to “Advocate heartily for justice, bring attention for those voiceless and urge to open a path for those who wish to contribute or rebuild their lives on this land” during the morning Mass. Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski C.Ss.R., auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, also asked everyone to remember those whom they keep in their hearts.
On Capitol Hill, Sister Dong Hong and five other New Jersey delegates visited the offices of five elected representatives from their state: Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Congressman Thomas Kean, Congresswoman Nellie Pou, Congressman Robert J. Menendez and Congressman Christopher Smith. Since Congress had adjourned through Jan. 31, the Catholic delegates did not get to speak with the Congressmen and women in-person. But the group did have meetings with the elected officials’ legislative advisers, during which it advocated for anti-poverty programs, international aid programs and immigration reform.
“That our voice could be heard by the legislators is very important,” Sister Dong Hong said. “We were able to share our Catholic teaching, which is based on Jesus’ call to ‘love your neighbors.’”
James King, executive director of the New Jersey Catholic Conference, was also pleased by the outcome of the Hill visits. Specifically, King said it was a “blessing” to address those with the power to create positive change in the community.
“The elected officials and their staffers really appreciate hearing our stories,” said King, who led the New Jersey contingent. “We bring a real-world perspective to these issues that too often is lost in the general debate on how society should address these issues.”
Aside from the advocacy efforts, the CSMG was a chance for participants to pray, connect and learn. It ended with a Jan. 28 reception hosted by Archbishop Broglio at the Hart Senate Office Building.
Featured image: Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang (bottom left) and five other New Jersey delegates visited the offices of five Congress members to advocate for the most vulnerable during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering from Jan. 25-28 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Sister Dong Hong Marie Zhang)
