In the context of the Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, which takes place over the weekend at the Vatican, UISG turned to Sr. Norma Pimentel, a painter. She is also the Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Rio Grande Valley at the border between the USA and Mexico. The testimony she shared with us is more broadly in line with the current “Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope”:

"I help many immigrants at the border who are suffering greatly because of new policies being introduced by the new administration in the USA. We want to bring hope to these families who need our support, our care, and our love. I express this love to them and to the world through the paintings that I make. I like to capture some of the images of the families and the children, and through them, I can bring hope to the world and show what it is to welcome immigrants. (It is as if) we welcomed Christ into our life.”

Pope Francis has publicly thanked Sr. Norma and her team for their efforts to assist immigrants from Latin America seeking to enter the United States. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people of 2020, recognizing her leadership in providing shelter, food, sanctuary, and comfort to people often treated as less than human. Her boundless hope and fearless compassion earned her the title of "the Pope's favorite nun."

A Mexican national, Sr. Norma is a member of the Missionaries of Jesus. In a video interview with UISG, she emphasized the importance of communicating “the message and purpose of who we are as religious women and as the Church in a gentle manner." She believes this approach allows people to better understand "who we are as women, bringing life to the world amidst the darkness we face."

Sr. Norma often paints children and women who pass through the relief center, especially the children, as they reflect great tenderness. "The reality of today’s immigrant is embodied in the child, the mother with her child—reminding me so much of Mary and Jesus. The mothers who travel from so far away, carrying their children, often inspire me to capture their images. I photograph them to create drawings. I also paint flowers and birds, which inspire me when there are no children or mothers to paint," she shared last year. (article)

In late January 2025, Sr. Norma participated in the conference titled “Prophetesses of Hope: The Dedication of Religious Sisters and the Power of Communication” at the Vatican. This event, as part of the Jubilee of the World of Communications, was organized within the broader "Jubilee: Pilgrims of Hope." Religious sisters from across the globe shared their projects, missions, and experiences during the Global Jubilee Conference with Religious Sisters, organized by the Dicastery for Communication.