MIGRANT MINISTRY REFLECTIONS - II

There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation...  Laudato Si, #25

From Sr. Rosa Maria Mejia, RJM (Province of Mexico-Cuba)

"I lived in San Diego, CA at Casa de Esperanza and working with the migrants for two months and 10 days.  I desire to share with you this lived experience.  When asked if I wanted to go and work for 3 months with the Sisters in the United States who minister to the migrants, at that moment I experienced joy but also some worry.  I did not feel capable to do this even though on several occasions I had said that I would like very much to work in this type of apostolate, but I knew God would help me and He did!

On the first day they took me to visit the Center.  Immediately they asked for someone to speak with a family (the mother and two sons: one 14; the other one 12) who felt desperate because of the difficult situation in her country.  She left a son behind and did not have somewhere to go (up until now, they still do not have a place to go).   I asked God to speak through me and he did it because, little by little, the mother as well as her sons calmed down and felt at peace.  At the end, they appreciated that someone spoke with them.  There I discovered that this could be my apostolate: to speak with people, to listen to them, and to pray for and with them to give them some hope, some joy and trust - speaking to them about that Good and Merciful God who loves them and wants to walk together with them, at their side.

I went to the Center from Monday to Friday.  We generally arrived at 9:30.  I greeted all those who I met on the way.  Then I went to the dormitory and spoke with those who are there.  I invited them to pray (this is a prayer for all faiths).  The majority are evangelical, but we all pray to the same God.  Sometimes many attended the prayer; other times, they are less numerous.  Those who came, did it with great faith.

It is beautiful to work in a team where we all collaborate in whatever way we can.  It is nice to see the older religious, young people, and even some men all working together.  Some sweep; others arrange a place for the children to play; others act as a driver to take migrants to the airport or to the bus station to go to relatives or friends who are going to receive them in their homes.  Others serve the meal and help arrange the dormitories; others have cards in English and Spanish to teach words in English.

I have been able to see and admire the work of Enrique, founder of Border Angels, and of his team.  The great majority of young people are working tirelessly, to give some relief and a sense of well-being to the migrants in their long journey.  He and his team, in the Centers where the migrants arrive, are grateful, especially for the presence of some religious.  The Bishops and Priests also accepted us and are grateful for our collaboration and invite us to continue. 

Finally, I can say that I have enjoyed this time of service, this time of living with my Sisters from the USA.

This mission has given me much life.  I can only end saying: How Good God is! - God who continues to motivate us to seek the poorest among the poor and neglected.  Thank you, Lord!  To you all also, many thanks for allowing us to have this working experience."