Mary Fontana on Strangers in the Province of Joy

In this timely episode we visit with the author of Strangers in the Province of Joy: Practicing Radical Hospitality at the US-Mexico Border, Mary Fontana. While in college Mary began a 20+ year relationship with Annunciation House in El Paso which houses and provides care for migrants. This book is all about the important work of Annunciation House, its surprising and tender beginnings, and about the root causes that lead to people leaving their home countries. We talk about liberation theology, the United States complicity in the instability in Central America, and what we can all do to better love our neighbor as ourselves.  Show Notes:Strangers in the Province of Joy: Practicing Radical Hospitality at the US-Mexico Border Mary Fontana’s Website Annunciation House A Prayer of Shelter and Shadow by Pádraig ó TuamaKey Topics:The origins and history of Annunciation HouseThe concept of radical hospitality and its importanceRoot causes of migration including US foreign policy and climate changeThe role of personal relationships and presence in service workThe intersection of faith, justice, and activism in immigrationThe ongoing legal challenges faced by organizations like Annunciation HouseThe importance of education and awareness in changing perceptionsThe spiritual and contemplative practices that sustain service workChapters00:30 A Prayer for Shelter and Community02:35 Introducing Mary Fontana and Her Work05:15 The Role of Annunciation House10:02 Understanding Borders: Geographic and Internal13:08 Migration as an Earth Right17:52 Root Causes of Migration22:07 Climate Change and Migration26:51 The Politics of Immigration and Othering31:39 Emergency Response and Human Connection34:17 The Founders' Wisdom and Open-Heartedness38:55 The Role of Contemplation in Service43:56 Balancing Presence and Productivity48:49 Justice and Mercy in Hospitality52:10 Spreading Awareness Through Storytelling54:15 Radical Hospitality Defined58:57 Facing Political Challenges with Resilience