Joan Chittister's Words in Illuminated Manuscript

The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, in Boise, Idaho, opened a new education center this year. An illuminated manuscript depicting a quotation from Joan Chittister was created by Mary Frances Dondelinger to celebrate the center's commitment.



Ms. Dondelinger is an artist, trained in religious iconography, and she is the widow of Bill Wassmuth, the peace activist for whom the human rights center is named. She notes that her husband “held Sister Joan in the highest regard.” The illuminated manuscript will be on permanent display in the center.



It reads: “Compassion is not sympathy. Compassion is mercy.

It is a commitment to take responsibility for the sufferings of others. Compassion makes no distinction between friends and enemies, neighbors and outsiders, compatriots and foreigners. Compassion is the gate to human community.”