Teaching on the elementary level introduced Sister Mary Ellen O’Boyle to the needs of the poor, especially the struggles of young mothers. On the high school level, her goal was to prepare young women for employment that would make them highly qualified and respected administrative assistants.
In the early 1970s, Sister Mary Ellen received an invitation to begin a one-room job-training program in the Bronx. Here Sister Mary Ellen encountered women who were searching for a better way of life for themselves and their families. Attending classes daily for one term offered the skills needed to continue their journey. After a few years, this program relocated to Grace Institute in mid-Manhattan. The women enjoyed this transformation to the “big city” and wore a sense of pride when accepted into the program.
Sister Mary Ellen has long believed that the place of women in our society and our Church was an issue that needed attention.
Since 2011, Sister Mary Ellen had coordinated the Congregation’s anti-trafficking efforts. In February 2012, LifeWay Network, an anti-trafficking organization supported by over thirty-five religious congregations of women and men, opened a Safe House for women survivors of trafficking. Approximately one dozen Sisters and Associates from the Sisters of Charity of New York volunteer at the house. Through LifeWay Network, the Sisters of Charity are active members of several anti-trafficking organizations.
Through these partnerships, education about the reality of trafficking is provided and suggestions on ways to help end this modern-day slavery presented. The organizations encourage efforts to purchase Fair Trade products, which indicate that no slave labor was involved in the production process. The Sisters of Charity support legislation that ensures more significant support to trafficked persons.
Sister Mary Ellen feels privileged and blessed to collaborate with religious congregations to make a difference in the lives of trafficked persons. She says, “As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am grateful that as a Sister of Charity, I was first able to strive for gender equality through my teaching. Now, through advocacy, I work to help eliminate modern-day slavery that victimizes girls and women. To end efforts for legal sex trade, I ask our supporters to sign the petition and share it with others.”
https://www.change.org/p/metropolitan-transportation-authority-tell-the-nyc-mta-to-remove-ads-promoting-prostitution
By Sr. Lorraine Cooper, SC
Thanks, Mary Ellen, for keeping us aware of this very serious issue.
The Congregation is most grateful to Sister Mary Ellen for her work to fight human trafficking!
Great woman!
Sister your work is awesome! thanks for your job
Yes, Luciano, her work is awesome! Thanks!
We think so, too, Rose!
We love you Aunt Mary! You’re amazing!!
Yes, she is amazing and we love her, too!
I am SO PROUD to be able to say you are my Aunt Mary. The work you do is amazing and the world is a better place because of you ❤️
We agree, Amy. That’s why we highlighted her!
God has blessed the Sisters of Charity!! Mary Ellen is an example.
Thanks, Nellie. We agree!
I saw Mary Ellen in the fall at the St. Barnabas High School Reunion. She’s simply an amazing role model
who has positively influenced the lives of so many!!!