Eyes, art of AIDS orphans pierces Keough conscience

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PAWTUCKET – Young women in the eleventh grade humanities class at Bishop Keough Regional High School have had the painful consequences of AIDS made real through a visit to the Catholic Relief Services multi-media exhibit: The Children Left Behind: AIDS Orphans Around the World.

On January 8, history teacher Sue Mansfield brought her class to view the exhibit, which ran from December 16 through January 10 at the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center, in downtown Pawtucket. The exhibit was brought to Rhode Island by the Diocese of Providence's Office of Community Service and Advocacy, and office of HIV/AIDS Ministry in collaboration with Catholic Relief Services. Documenting the strife and heartache caused by this deadly disease throughout the world, as well as highlighting the work and ministry of Catholic Relief Services, it features creative works and stories that capture life through the eyes of AIDS orphans and other children left vulnerable in the countries of Uganda, South Africa, India, Cambodia and Guatemala.

Mansfield said she wanted to expose the students to the complex problem of AIDS, as well as inspire the girls to think deeper about the far-reaching implications of this health crisis.

“The issue of HIV/AIDS and its impact on the globe is something that can be studied academically. But, it also can move our girls to think and act in a Catholic way,” Mansfield said.

As she observed her students intensely scrutinizing each piece of the exhibit, she quietly asked them, “What would Jesus do?”

This question sparked a lively and deep discussion amongst the girls. Allicia Votta said, “This is so sad. We take our lives for granted, we have families and homes and we are so lucky. All these children have is loneliness and death.”

Lyanni Luquis took particular note of the work of the St. Joseph Orphanage in Guatemala, documented by before-and-after photos. “Look at what happens when we help and care; we improve the lives of people.” Courtney Peltier agreed, “This is the work of human hands, this little boy looks so much more happy and healthy.”

Present from Project Hope was Jim Jahnz. He praised the girls for their insight and gave them an overview of the work of Project Hope and the outreach of Catholic ministries. “It is good that you are here and paying attention to the devastation of AIDS in our world,”?Jahnz said. “This exhibit not only tells the stories of these children through their own words and hands, it demonstrates the impact of Catholic Relief Services around the globe. I hope you all realize there are so many ways to help.”

Angela Mendez noted the significance of awareness but also the importance of compassion. “I think, due in large part to my Catholic education, this exhibit has a greater impact on me and my classmates. We are taught, every day, in a way that gives us perspective and a deeper understanding of these worldwide issues.”

Classmate Kimberley Berrena agreed. “To think that these posters, letters, poems and paper dresses were completed by children who may no longer be alive is, or should be, an awakening.”

What seemed to resonate most was the orphans’ hand-drawn posters. The posters documented the sad journey of AIDS, through meticulous illustrations and moving words of the children. Story after story came from children, who in some instances lost an entire family and were facing the disease themselves.

Nicole Davis noted, “This exhibit makes it so clear that we need to think, pray for and act upon not only the people who are sick but the people they leave behind. This disease doesn’t have borders and it does not discriminate.”

“This gives us real perspective,” agreed Hailee Dooley. “So many times we complain about little things – I couldn’t go out or I didn’t get this or that. These children have nothing but sickness and death. It is a real eye-opener.

“I am very glad we had the opportunity to visit this exhibit,” she concluded. “It was a way to look into the eyes of these children and hopefully, look deeper into our own hearts and souls.”

As to Mansfield’s initial question, it was Kristen Grenier who responded, “I think Jesus would hug them.”