b'Rosaries, 43, Neutral, photo-graph by Tom Kiefer/ Redux, 2007reads in the press or on social media. Ive found myself With Mary at the heart of students discussions,talking about border issues with my family and friends it made the subject more tangible, says Neomi.more often. I also realized how privileged I am and Using Marian art as a focal point, they branchedcheck myself about what I take for granted. out from there. Some were shocked by what theyBeing conversant about immigration issues doesnt learned from their research. I watched as theynecessarily make the conversation easier, say those who poured their hearts into their projects and took participated in the course. Choosing ones words creative risks.carefully and backing away from strong emotions With the world turned upside down because ofwhen those headwinds appeared helped the students the pandemic, I am grateful for all of the peoplekeep an even keel. who shifted on a dime to make the online exhibitPHOTO: JULIE WALLINGWe wanted to break open this subject and talk possible, says Neomi. One of those people wasfreely, says Matthew. But since this is a politically Marianist Brother Tom Giardino, executive directorcharged issue, we had to put our feelings aside and of the Association of Marianist Universities, an view the actual context of a passage we were study- organization that partially funded the exhibit. ing and not become sidetracked. It required being Mary and Borders is a wonderful example oflevel-headed and not letting our emotions or precon- what happens when our universities examine aceptions obscure the hard facts. human rights issue together, such as immigration,and how it affects society, says Brother Tom. Making Mary come alive It raises important spiritual and moral questions:Mary once fled with Baby Jesus and Joseph to Egypt What are our obligations as Marianists? As people to escape Herods wrath during the Massacre ofof faith? It stretches all of us to grow.the Innocents. Devotion to Mary among refugees Using the Marian Library to activate these discus-naturally followed.sions underscores the role of the library as a "living,breathing monument to the Blessed Virgin Mary,says Jillian. The students brought the collections to Above: Jillian Ewalt, Ph.D., life and used them to engage in dialogue on complex associate professor, librarian forvisual resources, Marian Libraryissues. It reaffirms the importance of this collection Left: Mary 2018, illustratonand its impact on Marianist education. by Benjamin WildflowerSummoning our better angelsThe Mary and Borders project helped many studentsof Hispanic descent become more visible, letting themshare their cultural and spiritual experiences and educate others about them. For others, it was a callto action. My generation needs to get involved,says Matthew. Immigration is a serious issue. It needsto be viewed objectively with no hidden agendas orsides. We especially need to help people at the borderwhose lives are in limbo. They need answers.To experience the Mary and Borders exhibit, visit maryandborders.org. marianist.com/donate 7'