"I went, I saw, I wept with Compassion"
by Sister Donna Marie Zetah

During Community Days there was a display with a certificate of recognition and appreciation for the work in Humane Borders of Sisters Elizabeth Ohmann and Audrey Jean Loher.

Humane Borders (in Spanish Fronteras Compasivas) is an organization that ministers to the humanitarian needs of the immigrants who cross the U.S./Mexican border. The staff and members expressed deep appreciation to the Franciscan Sisters, in particular to Sister Elizabeth Ohmann who is cofounder of Humane Borders and has dedicated her life to the efforts since 2000 and to Sister Audrey Jean Loher who has ministered there for the past two years.

Water is essential to life. Immigrants were dying in the desert from dehydration. This awareness moved a small group of people, Sister Elizabeth being one of them to DO SOMETHING. They began putting water in the desert. At present in this relatively small area of the U.S. border, there are 70 water stations maintained daily to help prevent deaths of those in passage.

In my ministry with Mexican families in Long Prairie, I have listened to many stories of their journey to the U.S. and specifically to Long Prairie. I wanted to see the beginning to their journey. I went to the desert on June 4. I went to the water stations. It is an awesome experience. It is an incredible endeavor to undertake this trip. The motive has to be driven with a need so great that even death is a worthwhile risk. My sadness at such a realization was only tempered by the fact that men and women of every walk, every faith or simply compassionate people dedicate their time and life to the cause of others.

I felt very grateful to be present at the time of this recognition of our sisters in this noble work. I thank them and the support of our Community, that we are there to make a difference.

At a glance

Ministry: Parish Nurse
Location: Long Prairie, MN