In our first reading from the Book of Exodus, we are reminded that the alien (migrants, immigrants and refugees) are to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. God is quite clear on the consequences that befall the people if they oppress them. Likewise, Jesus enforces that same teaching in the Gospel of Matthew when he proclaims the second greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” for under God we are all neighbors including the alien.

Over the centuries, we have witnessed the fruits of Jesus’ command. Msgr. Leo Maasburg, a former spiritual director of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, states that Mother Teresa didn’t try to solve all of the world’s problems: she simply lived her life in radical service and love of her neighbor. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike saw in her a role model. She was popular because she was authentic and she loved people genuinely. One of her famous quotes: “If everyone could see the image of God in his neighbor, do you think we would need tanks and generals”? Her example of service to the poorest poor helped nurture the understanding that every human being, regardless of their social status, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Love of God, which is the greatest commandment, generates love of neighbor, which is also witnessed by Rose Hawthorne, the youngest daughter of famous American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne. After the death of her parents, Rose married George Lathrop, another writer, in 1871. In 1881 their only son died when he was only five and after this devastating loss, George began drinking heavily. In 1895 the couple received a Church sanctioned separation but George died four years later.

Talented in many fields, but persevering in none, Rose found herself alone and with no purpose. With fervent prayer, overtime, God’s Will became clear. Inspired by the life of Saint Vincent de Paul, Rose developed an interest in caring for the poor sick. At that time, cancer was thought to be contagious, and to be diagnosed with it not only meant certain death, but also abandonment by everyone: hospitals, friends, and family. Here were people who needed help, and, for the love of God, Rose would provide it. Starting with a three-month training session in New York’s Cancer Hospital and then taking a three-room tenement apartment in New York’s Lower East Side, a work was begun. Soon after Rose began caring for Cancer patients in her apartment, volunteers began to come. In 1899 they were received into the Third Order of the Dominicans. When they took their vows on December 8, 1900, Rose became Mother Alphonsa. From being a woman with no real purpose in life, to being a hard-working, charitable, compassionate Sister, Rose actively labored as the apostolate grew. Today, the motherhouse is located on Rosary Hill in Hawthorne, New York where The Servants of Relief for Incurable Cancer (now known as The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne) continue the Apostolate that Rose Hawthorne started. They never accept payments from their patients. They rely solely on God’s providence, and the generosity of benefactors, just as the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, do. continued…