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Community & Spirituality
Margaret Graziano
Doing What I Can to Make
Life Better for Others
"I have some very interesting days. I spend most of them with murderers,
rapists and burglars. I work with inmates because I believe people can
change. I can motivate people to change because I can teach them to see
beauty in themselves.
I was born to Italian immigrants November 25, 1916 in Portland, Oregon.
My father did what most young Sicilian men did in Portland at the time -
he delivered fresh produce along a specified route. That route included
St. Marys Academy, the all-girls Catholic high school. He eventually
traded fruits and vegetables in exchange for my tuition. I graduated in
1934 knowing I wanted to join the order that taught me - the Sisters of
the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary - and I did.
I taught school for nearly four decades in communities throughout the
Northwest, eventually I landed in Eugene, Oregon. One day I walked by a
sprawling concrete building on the north end of Eugene. It was the Lane
County Jail. I remember thinking I really would like to know what goes
on in there, what goes on in their heads.
I asked if I could volunteer - the reply was when can you start? I
toured the jail and asked the women inmates what they wanted, what they
needed. They told me anything that will relieve the boredom. And so I
started a weekly art class, first for the women and then for the men. I
knew I could bring out beauty in the inmates who had turned ugly inside
from hate, bitterness and anger.
I have done a lot of different things behind bars since 1976 when my
volunteer work started, but whether I am a chaplain, a drug and alcohol
counselor or a volunteer coordinator - the essence of my work is the
same. I do what I can to make life a little better for the inmates, I
believe that will make them better people on the outside.
In all my years at the jail I felt fear just once. After the first night
of teaching inmates to draw I went home and wondered what have those
hands done - what kinds of crimes have they committed. But I put that
thought away; I knew if I dwelled on it, I might never go back, and I
had to go back.
I am proud of the art the inmates create. I exhibit the pieces in art
shows and we feature them in calendars. I think making the art public
gives the inmates a sense of pride. I believe it also teaches society
good things come out of bad people.
Even inmates, whom society often dismiss and ignore, are filled with
gifts from God. I just help them find those gifts."
Spiritual Offerings
Open Hearth
Provides you the opportunity to weave the threads of mind, body, and
spirit as you travel the path of your spiritual journey.
Provides you the opportunity to discover and affirm the gifts and
blessings you share with all creation through the union of heart and
earth (Hearth) in your life.
For more information about this spiritual resource located in Eugene,
Oregon, call Sister Janice Jackson, SNJM at (541) 345-9964.
Namasté
Namasté was formed to offer affordable opportunities for rest,
renewal and spiritual exploration. It is a center that provides
spiritual nurturance through retreats, faith groups, spiritual direction and
training open to all faith traditions. Call Sister Pat McCrann for more
details at (503) 283-0199 or email her at:
patmccrann@aol.com
Namasté, in partnership with the Sisters of the Holy Names, has
two beautiful homes available for spiritual renewal. Each is
uniquely situated in a tranquil river setting about one hour from
downtown Portland. For more information contact Sister Pat McCrann.
(503) 283-0199 or visit the website at
www.namasteportland.org
Personality and Human Relations (PRH), is an International School for
Adult Development since 1970. It is an in-depth experiential and
educational method for personal development focusing on the development
of the being, the positive core of each person. Contact Judy Kelly at
(235) 272-8943 email:
prhwest@prh-usa.com
The Sophia Center
The Sophia Center where art and pottery are dedicated to the celebration
and healing of the heart and earth.
Visit the website at:
www.sophiacenter.org
Jesuit Spirituality Center
The Jesuit Spirituality Center, located in southeast Portland, offers
many spiritual opportunities. Visit the website:
www.thejsc.org
Marylhurst University
Marylhurst University: Visit their website at:
www.marylhurst.edu and click on
Religious Studies.
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