Margaret Cessna

Margaret Cessna is a member of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary. After teaching social studies and theology in high school for 27 years, she founded and for 10 years served as executive director of Heartbeats, a network of women who developed world and minority artists. For the past 12 years, she has been a family mentor for Catholic Charities' office of Migration and Refugee Services. As a freelance writer, she has published in journals, newspapers and magazine, and has written two books.

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(Unsplash/Aaron Burden)

When the church hierarchy fails to guide, Mum still points me in the right direction

Mum gave her children a wonderful gift of theology: Come on in. Stop over. Don't be a stranger. No need to guard your heart. No need to measure your generosity. She had no tolerance for racists or bigots. She had a capacity for anger for anyone who hurt or mistreated children.

The Burmese family mentored by Sr. Margaret Cessna after a visit to the health clinic. (Courtesy of Margaret Cessna)

Four hours, 20 minutes: Migrant kids bring a beatitude to life

How could it take four hours for three refugee children with an appointment to get immunization shots? It wasn't because they are refugees. It wasn't because they are Asian. 

Mary's House, which serves refugees who are single mothers in Cleveland, throws a surprise party celebrating all of the moms' birthdays. (Provided photo)

For refugee single moms, there's a place in Cleveland

In the company of each other, these women who escaped from unspeakable indignities in their native lands come together at Mary's House to voice their fears and concerns and to learn how to persevere and prosper.