Sister Norma Pimentel, M.J., the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, joins “The Spiritual Life” podcast to talk with host Fr. James Martin, S.J., about her four decades of ministry with migrants and refugees on the U.S.-Mexico border, in South Texas.

0:00 Who is Sister Norma Pimentel?
6:30 Sister Norma's vocation story
12:37 Finding God in immigration ministry
15:00 Sr. Norma's ministry
16:25 Misconceptions about immigrants
20:30 A spiritual response
24:28 Sr. Norma's friendship with Pope Francis
26:15 The treatment of immigrants
30:22 Spiritual lessons from immigrants
34:13 Facing challenges & spiritual practices
38:30 Audience question: a prayer in uncertain times?

Read Fr. Jim’s spiritual advice article on this episode:
https://www.americamagazine.org/podcasts/2026/01/26/sister-norma-pimentel-father-james-martin-migrant-refugee/

Do you have a spiritual question for Fr. Jim? You can write to us at: [email protected]

Check out Fr. James' new book "Work In Progress" here : https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/jamesmartin

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