“If the world takes something from us on the one hand, God will give us something on the other.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Taking Flight for Peace and Justice: S. Karina’s First Flying Pig
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
S. Karina Montes-Ayala will join fellow Community members to participate in her first Flying Pig 5k on May 3.
This Friday and Saturday, nearly 45,000 people will gather at the starting line on Rosa Parks Street for Cincinnati’s annual Flying Pig marathon, an event which draws national attention and participation each May.
This year, Sisters Sally Duffy, Annie Klapheke, Joyce Richter and Associate Karen Martin will once again make their way to the finish line in support of Team Ignite Peace. They will be joined by marathon newcomer S. Karina Montes-Ayala, who signed up for the event after years of supporting from the sidelines.
S. Karina decided to walk in the Flying Pig 5k after encouragement from her brother, who is running the full marathon, and his girlfriend, Mei, who will walk alongside her. She also credits S. Annie, who “pushed me to try something new” by recommending the event.
Although S. Karina has attended the marathon in the past to cheer on friends and family, and even volunteered to help clean up after the race many years ago, this will be her first time as a participant. Drawn by the event’s “fun, supportive atmosphere,” she shared, “I’m really looking forward to being part of it in a different way this year.”
While walking the 5k, S. Karina will raise funds for Team Ignite Peace, which has participated in the marathon for 15 years. Founded more than 40 years ago, the organization has evolved and grown to reflect current issues of social justice and peace at the local, state, national and international levels.
S. Karina chose to support Team Ignite Peace because, like her fellow Sisters, she believes it is “an incredible organization doing important work in our community by standing in solidarity with those most in need and advocating for peace and justice.”
She offers, “I believe that anything we can do to help bring about a more loving and compassionate world is deeply needed today.”
As a first-time participant, S. Karina is “feeling very excited.” While stepping into something new – whether it is training for a race or becoming an advocate – can feel overwhelming and daunting, her commitment to social justice has long been a central part of her vocation.
For those who are pondering taking the first steps to join or support advocacy groups such as Ignite Peace, S. Karina says, “My advice is simply to go for it!”
“Getting involved can be as easy as following on social media or attending an event that interests you,” she continues. “You’ll meet inspiring people who are passionate about making a difference in the world and be connected to a community of people working together to make it happen.”
Just as her family and friends supported her journey to the Flying Pig, we, too, can come together to support local advocacy groups by taking the first step, whether that is following social justice initiatives online, attending an event that interests you, or contributing to a cause that raises up your local community.
If you would like to make a contribution, donations to Team Ignite Peace can be made online.
Good luck, S. Karina and Team Ignite Peace!
In 2025, the 25 members of Team Ignite Peace raised $26,000 to support the organization’s education and advocacy work in Cincinnati.
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