Norma Pimentel

Sr. Norma Pimentel

Norma Pimentel of the Missionaries of Jesus is the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, where she established the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas, welcoming over half a million immigrants. Known as the late Pope Francis’ favorite nun, she was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020 and a TIME Woman of the Year.

By this Author

Sister Veronica, a member of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, shows a representative of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation produce from the Divine Mercy Green Farm her order operates in Nakuru, Kenya. (CNS/Handout, Missio Invest, Pontifical Missionary Societies in the United States)

At work on the last mile: Catholic sisters are local leaders in development

As global aid declines, Catholic sisters offer a powerful lesson in sustainable development: Lasting change is built on trust, local leadership, and the people who remain long after funding ends.

A Christmas story at the border: Who are the holy families in your midst?

As we reflect on the Holy Family and their hasty departure to Egypt fleeing Herod during this Advent and Christmas season, we can look closer and see those who are fleeing from other perils.