papal spotlight put her on the map,
however, and she has since become
a minor celebrity, winning multiple
awards and fielding many media
requests to speak about the human
face of immigration. She consistent-
ly reminds people of the inherent
dignity and rights of the migrants
way. That faith experience eventu-
ally led her into religious life with
the Missionaries of Jesus.
You’re a bit of a celebrity, Sister
Norma. How does that feel?
It feels great. But at the same time,
if I stop to think about why I’m getting all of this attention, it makes
me feel uncomfortable, because it
comes from the suffering and pain
of so many families. But the publicity brings attention to these problems. It emphasizes that there is this
pain and suffering.
I’ve received so much recognition. It gives me a voice, which
comes with big responsibilities, of
saying what it is that we all should
know and do.
How did you decide
to enter religious life?
That’s some time back! I didn’t
decide for myself, but God decided
to pull me out of the direction I
Ironically, Pimentel’s own com-
mitment started, she told Elle maga-
zine, because she wanted to go out
for pizza with friends. She attended
a parish prayer event—which was
followed by a pizza social—and ex-
perienced God’s love in a profound
I’ve received so
much recognition.
It gives me a voice,
which comes with big
responsibilities,
of saying what it is
that we all should
know and do.
“
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