On the heels of the Vatican criticizing the LCWR for largely ignoring matters of life, marriage and sexuality while focusing solely on “social justice” issues, the Nuns on the Bus are back at it again, this time they’re riding their bus around for immigration reform, according to NJ.com

Nuns on the Bus, a project of the national Catholic social justice lobby Network, kicked off their 40-city, 6,500-mile bus ride at Liberty State Park in Jersey City this morning. The tour ends at San Francisco’s Angel Island, the Ellis Island of the west coast.

Sister Simone Campbell of Washington, D.C., one of the leaders of the group, said the immigration project has “taken on a life of its own.” Last year, the group engaged in a bus tour that was focused on raising the public’s consciousness about poverty.

“It’s important to cast light on the 11 million people living in the shadows because they’re undocumented,” said Sister Arlene Flaherty about this year’s road trip.

“We’re a country of immigrants,” added Sister Elaine Betancourt.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, who joined about 50 people yesterday to give the nuns a send-off, said Americans have “collective amnesia,” and forget that family members passed through Ellis Island.

“I believe in a strong and faithful America that can do the right thing,” said Sister Mary Ellen Lacey.

Hey maybe, they could stop off at some abortion clinics on the way and say a prayer or two. They could even leave the bus idling for a few minutes. They don’t even have to find a parking spot. Just hop out and say a prayer. No?

*subhead*Social justice.*subhead*