Greetings from NYC! This semester I have the opportunity to work as an intern for the Holy See’s Mission to the United Nations. Each day brings an outstanding opportunity to play a part in the Holy See’s mission for the international community, and I am incredibly grateful to have a window into this work of the Church. It is truly impressive to see how much care the Holy See takes to help guide the course of international policy here at the United Nations. The U.N. certainly provides a good forum for leaders to discuss and resolve what is most pressing for the global community, but after being here only a few weeks, I’ve witnessed how true it is that human politics and policies will always and forever fall short of what they hope –and claim– to achieve. If anything, they highlight how only Christ holds complete answers to the needs and longings of the human family. In essence, the Holy See delegation is here in His stead, giving nations insight into what is truly in their best interest. Seen in this light, the delegation’s work is absolutely indispensable –and it’s a privilege to partake in it.
A highlight of this past September was taking part in a prayer service at Manhattan’s Holy Family parish for the occasion of opening the 65th session of the General Assembly. It was a great experience to welcome New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan, our newly arrived Nuncio to the U.N., Archbishop Francis Assisi Chulikatt, (former Nuncio to Iraq) and the Secretary-General of the U.N., Ban Ki-Moon, for a solemn hour of prayer. The atmosphere was tangibly sacred, and the delgates and dignitaries who were present were visibly happy.
A second highlight was meeting a delegation of Sudanese clergy who came to the U.N. this October. Under the leadership of Bishop Parade Taban, the delegation came to make the needs of the Sudanese people known and to ask for greater attention to the country’s political situation. Come January, southern Sudan will face a referendum determining its possible secession from the north. The situation may ultimately mean full-scale war, as well as persecution for Christian communities living in the north. Hearing these concerns first-hand was a moment hard to describe. All I could think of was the Rwandan genocide over fifteen years ago, and I could feel the weight of responsibility being placed on all –great and small alike– who were present to hear these requests for help. This time at the Mission has been a good reality check; it’s given me a deeper insight into the needs of our brothers and sisters worldwide –their need for our prayers, our awareness of the issues they face, and our willingness to live lifestyles of solidarity.
In September I enjoyed being able to attend the General Debate of the General Assembly, and as the weeks unfold, my work will include following the work of General Assembly’s subsidiary committees on disarmament and international security, human rights, and special political/decolonization issues. Life in the City is vibrant and full and I haven’t lost a moment finding favorite places or enjoying the experience of calling NYC “home.” Come spring I’ll return to UST to finish work in theology and Catholic studies, but until then I’m living the moment –and wishing it didn’t pass by so quickly!
~Cara, Catholic Studies student
