|
LETTERS Letters from Sister Plante to Letter from Susan Lyman to Public Statement by General Ross Letter from Samaritans of Boston Statement by Edward J. Florino Letters from Ida Colafrancesco Letter from John Medeiros |
John Medeiros was a Fall River City Councilor for 26 years. He serves on the Fall River Committee of the Friends of Sister Plante.
John Medeiros Reprinted from Planting the Facts, the newsletter of the Friends of Sister Plante |
Having served as a City Councilor for twenty-six years here in Fall River, I'll never forget the first day I read about the Sister Plante case. Knowing Fall River, its politics and our media as I do, I just knew I had to look further into this matter. It was obvious that everyone who knew Sister Michaelinda through her job as Associate Superintendent of the Catholic Parochial Schools here in the city respected her. She had touched so many lives through her work with children, the terminally ill, the poor and the despairing, that everyone wholeheartedly agreed that they should support her. It was very clear to all of us that the wrongful actions against her should be addressed. Nonetheless most people felt afraid to attach their names to her cause or to openly support her in fear of losing their jobs in the Catholic Diocese and/or their public positions. It was wonderful to attend fund-raisers and see people rallying around Sister. I also found it delightful to watch Fall River and Rhode Islanders contributing money for her legal fees. Anyone who knows me knows that I have never been one to remain quiet about matters of injustice. I have always firmly believed that one must stand up for one's rights. Many people here in Fall River truly believe in Sister's battle for truth and justice and some have even dedicated their lives to fighting for her cause. I believe if someone is right and has been wronged, the way Sister has, then supporting her is something to be proud of. I understand the nature of this delicate situation and why so many supporters can't be known, but I am proud to lend my name to this cause. We all hope that Sister Plante will have an opportunity to clear her name, redeem her good reputation, and carry on with her life. The hundreds of cards, letters, contributions and gifts from people here in Fall River and Rhode Island have proven that Sister was not only well liked, but that the inappropriate way in which she was treated and wrongfully terminated are not acceptable.
