Nuns show concern for those hurting

Nuns show concern for those hurting

Twelve Catholic religious women hit the road to teach the rest of us a thing or two about loving our neighbors during tough economic times. The tour, “Nuns on the Bus: Nuns Drive for Faith, Family and Fairness,” will stop in Chicago and nine states, including Illinois, to remind Catholics that the United States federal budget, which has been hotly contested this election year, is a moral, not just a fiscal, document.

The 2013 budget scheduled go into effect July 1 is no friend to those in need in this country, the traveling sisters insist. As passed, it will slash funding for the food stamp (SNAP) program as well as cut health insurance programs for low-income Americans, just when millions more Americans need them. Meanwhile, the so-called “Ryan Budget” extends substantial tax breaks to the wealthy.

While we’ve heard plenty lately about where Catholic sisters and their bishops may disagree, it’s clear that when it comes to concern for those who are hurting in this economy, and the importance of passing a budget that is right and just for the country’s poor and vulnerable, they are in agreement.

Tom Cordaro

Naperville