BENEDICTINES FOR PEACE (BFP) organized a rally in protest of cuts to social services introduced in the 2013 House Republican budget proposal. The Erie Benedictines and several of their Oblates, along with the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy, joined together in this effort to express their concern and disfavor with a budget that will have long-lasting effects on the people they are serving.

The rally was held in conjunction with the NUNS ON A BUS tour that was stopping in Pittsburgh to rally against this federal budget proposal that includes cuts to day care, food stamp, housing assistance and several other programs.

In a story published in the Erie Times, Sister Marlene Bertke explained, "All over this nation, Catholic sisters are working at the margins of society to serve the people who are struggling in this economy and would (face) the consequences if the Ryan budget was passed. These are the things that are going to make it impossible for the poor and impoverished to live with any dignity at all.”

Click on the arrow to view a summary of the rally that includes pictures and video clips.

Photographs were taken by Jo Clarke, Oblate.