Border Ministry: Symposium on Human Dignity

by Sandra Salazar, RJM

from our sisters from USA-HAITI Province

Mater Dei Symposium on Human Dignity

On March 21, 2024 the Mater Dei Symposium on Human Dignity took place at Mater Dei Catholic High School. University professors, members of different ONGs, legal experts, border patrol agents and members of religious congregations were invited to share with students and faculty about the present lived reality of the migrants. 

Brother Keith Warner OFM invited me to partner with him in his presentation to talk about Social Catholic Teaching and Pope Francis’ invitation to journey with the migrants. Brother Keith is the Director of the Francisca Renewal Project for the Franciscan School of Theology at the University of San Diego. He is an expert and gives classes about migration. He shared about how being created in the image of God is at the center of our human dignity. He explained the relationship between human dignity and human rights. He also shared about Pope Fracis’ view on the right to migrate and the right to not have to migrate. I shared about my ministry at the border and about different hardships that the migrants experienced in their country of origin and during their journey to the United States. 

I gave examples of events in which the dignity of migrants was violated due to persecution, violence and injustice. I talked about Pope Francis invitation to be proactive by responding to the reality of migration by “welcoming”, “protecting”, “integrating” and “promoting” 1. 

The students expressed interest in the topic and asked questions about how to get involved in helping. I offered some ideas and provided my contact information to their teacher in case the school was interested in following up with a plan. After the presentation a group of presenters gather at the library for lunch. It was a good opportunity for networking and for learning about other programs that provide services to migrants in Tijuana.

1. Message of Pope Francis for the 104th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2018. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/papa-francesco_20170815_world-migrants-day-2018.html

Border Ministry

 from our sisters from USA-HAITI Province

They shared: 

"Our profound experience connecting with our Mexican Province with young adults from Mexico City who lived with us and ministered to the migrants during their Holy Week Mission.  It was a very energizing experience as we shared mission and prayer reflections together."

This article was published in Bridges, at April.

  

September 24th: WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES 2023

Mensaje del Papa Francisco

Message of Pope Francis

Message du pape François

Messaggio del Papa Francesco

Prière Dieu, Père tout-puissant donne-nous la grâce de nous engager avec ardeur en faveur de la justice, de la solidarité et de la paix, afin que soient assurée à tous tes enfants la liberté de choisir d'émigrer ou de rester. Donne-nous le courage de dénoncer toutes les horreurs de notre monde, de lutter contre toutes les injustices qui défigure la beauté de tes créatures et l'harmonie de notre maison commune. Soutiens-nous avec la force de ton Esprit, pour que nous puissions manifester ta tendresse à chaque migrant que tu places sur notre route et répandre dans les cœurs et dans tous les milieux la culture de la rencontre et de la protection.

Oración Oh Dios, Padre todopoderoso, concédenos la gracia de comprometernos activamente en favor de la justicia, la solidaridad y la paz, para que a todos tus hijos se les asegure la libertad de elegir si migrar o quedarse. Concédenos la valentía de denunciar todos los horrores de nuestro mundo, de luchar contra toda injusticia que desfigura la belleza de tus criaturas y la armonía de nuestra casa común. Sostennos con la fuerza de tu Espíritu, para que podamos manifestar tu ternura a cada migrante que pones en nuestro camino y difundir en los corazones y en cada ambiente la cultura del encuentro y del cuidado.

Prayer God, Father Almighty, grant us the grace to work tirelessly for justice, solidarity and peace, so that all your children may enjoy the freedom to choose whether to migrate or to stay. Grant us the courage to denounce all the horrors of our world, and to combat every injustice that mars the beauty of your children and the harmony of our common home. Sustain us by the power of your Spirit, so that we can reflect your tender love to every migrant whom you place in our path, and to spread in hearts and in every situation the culture of encounter and of care.

Preghiera Dio, Padre onnipotente, donaci la grazia di impegnarci operosamente a favore della giustizia, della solidarietà e della pace, affinché a tutti i tuoi figli sia assicurata la libertà di scegliere se migrare o restare. Donaci il coraggio di denunciare tutti gli orrori del nostro mondo, di lottare contro ogni ingiustizia che deturpa la bellezza delle tue creature e l’armonia della nostra casa comune. Sostienici con la forza del tuo Spirito, perché possiamo manifestare la tua tenerezza ad ogni migrante che poni sul nostro cammino e diffondere nei cuori e in ogni ambiente la cultura dell’incontro e della cura.

Migrant Ministry

 From Province of USA-Haiti

Our Posada

Here in the USA, several of our sisters are taking part in the virtual Posadas provided by the Ignation Solidarity Network. Each night a family sings from their home followed by a presentation by a migrant telling their story of what forced them to leave their homeland and seek asylum in our country.  We are then invited to reflect in silence before the closing prayer of each days Posada.  This is a very different experience from our usual Posada at the USA/Mexico border wall near the Pacific Ocean.  There we would walk and sing along the border wall with people of all different Christian denominations participating on both sides of the border.  COVID robbed us of this hope-filled experience this year.

As we participate in these ‘safe’ virtual Posadas, I’m conscious of the thousands of migrants, especially Reina and her two children, who have been on a risky ‘Posada’ for over a year…leaving life-threatening experiences in their El Salvador neighborhood, crossing unwelcoming borders, resting in streets and shelters along the way, and recently receiving a 2 week notice to vacate her room in Tijuana. 

Then she began ‘knocking on many doors’ where there was no room for them until Dec. 4 when she and the other migrant mom and her 7 year old son were able to enter their new house in Tijuana.  What a faith-filled Posada spanning many months trusting in a loving God…and still hoping for new life-giving doors to be opened to them.  Now they have beds, not a mattress on the floor and an indoor bathroom.  Their journey with God continues to overcome fear with hope.  We continue to journey with them in prayer, with food and rent, and being awed and humbled by their faith filled WhatsApp messages and conversations.  This is the second Christmas we are sharing with them.  Being part of their journey from when they first arrived in the San Diego shelter and now in Tijuana has been a transforming experience.  Seeing their pain has brought us face to face with the wounded Christ in our midst.  

Knowing their faith has given us new eyes to see the Light penetrating the darkness.  Our JM communities and friends have reached out revealing Hope along the way. Let us be united in prayer with Reina and family, with the many migrants around our world and with the many people extending compassion and Hope to their neighbor.

 Rosie Nicholson, RJM

USA-Haiti Provice 

En el mar y en las costas

Noviembre 2020. En el mar miles de personas viven un DRAMA.  Su grito se escucha día tras día…como el grito desgarrador e imborrable de una madre que ha perdido a su bebé y el de tantas personas que a diario pierden su vida intentando alcanzar un futuro mejor. Impotencia. Dolor. Sin sentido. ¿Hasta cuándo?

En la costa… Drama. Auténtico drama. Hombres, mujeres y niños que lo han dejado todo y viajan sin nada...esperando un horizonte mejor en muelles y puertos sin tener un lugar, sin saber adónde ir…

¿Seremos capaces de conocer sus causas y atajarlas? ¿De repensar una nueva y diferente política migratoria?

Podemos sentir rechazo, indiferencia… o comprometernos...

Realidades eclesiales, sociales, asociaciones, ONGs que  no desean mirar hacia otro lado despertando en nosotr@s la compasión, la esperanza, la denuncia…Luchando por un mundo en donde la migración sea un derecho real y respetado.

Tanta gente que son rendijas de esperanza en medio de estas situaciones…

Los migrantes son personas, no mercancía. Las personas migrantes reflejan las carencias de los regímenes políticos, económicos y sociales. Diversas rutas de un éxodo provocadas por la pobreza, el racismo, la guerra, las mafias…Una violencia estructural, una desigualdad económica brutal….

Nuestra mirada, nuestra energía, nuestra vida… desde donde estemos… clama por una realidad en la que se acabe con estos dramas…

Provincia de España

Rendijas de Esperanza

27 septiembre: Jornada mundial del migrante y refugiado - World day Migrants and Refugees

Acoger, Proteger, Promover, Integrar

Mensaje del Papa Francisco para la 106 Jornada Mundial del Migrante y Refugiado

Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting, Integrating

Message of Pope Francis for 106th World Day of Migrants and refugees

Accueillir, Protéger, Promouvoir, Intégrer

Message du Pape François pour la 106ème Journée Mondiale du Migrant et du refugié

Migrant Ministry Update

Province of USA Haiti

This week Srs. Natalia Mejia and Rosie Nicholson were joined by Cathy Minihan (left) Pat Clausen (middle) and Cheryl Nichols (right), who carne to experience the lives of the asylum seekers in the San Diego border area. They received a warm welcome from the workers at the shelter, participated in ad activities with us and met migrant families with new born babies. This weekseveral migrants were in quarantine dueto theflu.

Also, this week ICE and Border Agents were not releasing many migrants from the detention center nor at the border entry. Please pray that migrants will be released promptly. After learning ofthis at theshelter in the morning on Wednesday, Feb. 26 that same night we participated in a movement "Doctors for Camp Closures" (being held in several Iocations including Washington, DC, NYC, Newton and Plymouth MA and others on Feb. 26). They hung banners and held lighted signs over several highway overpasses saying "Restore Asylum". Here are Cheryl and Sr. Rosie Nicholson on the overpass.

This was in response to a study by Physicians for Human Rights which stated that our harmful US immigration policies - remain in Mexico, detention, deportation and family separation - causes violence comparable to torture to migrants entering the US seeking asylum. This was quite a moving day that we shared at our night prayer!

We also spent time meeting with the young adults at the Border Angels off ce who shared their experiences of working with migrants by leaving water bottles in the Borrego Desert (left)for those entering illegally, assisting with free immigration la wyers, post ng bail to release migrants in detention to reunitefamilies, 'caravans of love' delivering donations to shelters in Tijuana, etc.

While wewere visiting Chicano Park afterwards we briefly met Enrique Morones (retired founder of Border Angels now with Gente U nida) who keeps me informed of migrant issues and events such as the one Feb. 26. Chicano Park presented colorful artistic murals, such as this one, depicting the journey of the Latino people over the centuries.

Next, we met Pedro, a friend of Cheryl, who works with several groups enhancing human rights especially with the many migrants in our area. It was energizingto meet with so many people of various ages, different faiths, all weaving a web of relationships to provide hope and new life to our migrants and immigrant communities here and across our country.

Our next stop will be the desert to see where many dangerously seek entry into the US and to pray for 'our neighbor' - living and deceased. On Saturday, we will head to the Border Angels shelter in Tijuana, Mexico on the beach next to the border wall. Every day I hear in my heart the question, "Who is my neighbor?". There is always freshness and newness in response to this question. This week while tenderly holding a newborn in my arms at the shelter, the question was quite clear...and so was the answer.

Sr. Rosie Nicholson, RJM

Beyond our boundaries..

Province of USA Haiti

Province of USA-Haiti

Ministry to the migrants while they were at their fourth shelter location in one year:

On the Border

Province of USA-Haiti

With imigrants... welcome!!!

Province of USA-Haiti

With imigrants... with gratitude..

Province of USA-Haiti

With imigrants...with Claudine...

Province of USA-Haiti

Rezando con la creación - el SER HUMANO-

...cuidando el don de Dios 

La persona en su totalidad, todas las personas

Escuchamos: Rostro, de Jorge Ochoa SJ
Rostro, por jesuitas acústico

Lectura de Génesis 1,26-31

Dios dijo: «Hagamos al hombre a nuestra imagen, según nuestra semejanza...». Y Dios creó al hombre a su imagen; lo creó a imagen de Dios, los creó varón y mujer... Y así sucedió. Dios miró todo lo que había hecho, y vio que era muy bueno. 

Para la Reflexión: 
Mensaje del Papa Francisco para la Jornada Mundial del Migrante 2019: 

"No se trata solo de migrantes"

• «¡Ánimo, soy yo, no tengáis miedo!» (Mt 14,27). No se trata sólo de migrantes, también se trata de nuestros miedos.

• «Porque, si amáis a los que os aman, ¿qué premio tendréis? ¿No hacen lo mismo también los publicanos?» (Mt 5,46). No se trata sólo de migrantes: se trata de la caridad. 

• «Pero un samaritano que iba de viaje llegó adonde estaba él y, al verlo, se compadeció» (Lc 10,33). No se trata sólo de migrantes: se trata de nuestra humanidad.

• «Cuidado con despreciar a uno de estos pequeños, porque os digo que sus ángeles están viendo siempre en los cielos el rostro de mi Padre celestial» (Mt 18,10). No se trata sólo de migrantes: se trata de no excluir a nadie.

• «El que quiera ser grande entre vosotros, que sea vuestro servidor; y el que quiera ser primero, sea esclavo de todos» (Mc 10,43-44). No se trata sólo de migrantes: se trata de poner a los últimos en primer lugar.

• «Yo he venido para que tengan vida y la tengan abundante» (Jn 10,10). No se trata sólo de migrantes: se trata de la persona en su totalidad, de todas las personas

• «Así pues, ya no sois extranjeros ni forasteros, sino conciudadanos de los santos, y miembros de la familia de Dios» (Ef 2,19). No se trata sólo de migrantes: se trata de construir la ciudad de Dios y del hombre.

¿De qué me hablan estas palabras del Papa? ¿Qué siento cuando escucho: "No se trata solo de migrantes"?

Contempla las siguientes imágenes. Trae a la memoria tus propias imágenes...

Oraciones espontáneas. 

Respondemos: Ayúdanos, Señor, a escuchar el clamor de la tierra y el clamor de los pobres.

Padre Nuestro.

Oremos: Dios creador, quien usó nuestra arcilla en Cristo, confesamos que hemos roto nuestro vínculo con la tierra y con los demás. Guíanos por el camino de la reconciliación y la sanación.

MIGRANT MINISTRY - IV

from Sr. Rosa Maria Mejia, RJM (Province of Mexico), Sr. Norene Costa, RJM, Sr. Natalia Mejia, RJM and Sr. Rosie Nicholson, RJM (Province of USA-Haiti)

There are a few opportunities to have a mass said at the Border with the priest on one side of the wall and the migrants on the other side.  Migrants of all ages and all faiths come to the wall to listen and participate in the Mass.

Sr. Rosie Nicholson, RJM and Sr. Natalia Mejia, RJM model the Border Angel shirts they wear while ministering to immigrants on the border.

MIGRANT MINISTRY REFLECTIONS - III

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. Natalia Mejia, RJM y Sr. Rosie Nicholson, RJM (Province of USA-Haiti)

Sr. Natalia and Sr. Rosie go to the shelter each Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30 A.M. - 12:00 noon to do art projects with the children and some of their parents.  One of the mothers made a 3 string-art of people and in Spanish wrote, “God’s blessings on this shelter, home of friendship.”  The mom asked that it be hung in the front hallway where it would be seen by all who would enter the shelter.  After leaving the Center, Sr. Natalia and Sr. Rosie go to stores to buy items that the migrants need, such as, backpacks and clothing.

 The migrants really appreciate the time and presence of the sisters with them.  The volunteer workers also frequently tell us that they appreciate having religious sisters, because of our presence, smiles and simple activities with the children.  The sisters help to express the love and presence of God to them, and as well to the migrants suffering so much pain.

During the evening prayer, back in their community, Sr. Rosa, Sr. Norene, Sr. Natalia and Sr. Rosie reflect on their day and share with each other, the gifts and graces of their experiences.

Sr. Rosa is much appreciated for her “presence” with the adults and any young children who want to stay close to their parents. Sr. Rosa listens one-on-one to the people and shares the Lord’s love and words from her heart.  The group sings together and have deep moments of silence remembering that God, our loving creator, Jesus and the Spirit are in our midst….Sr. Rosa invites them, “be still, listen and talk with the living God in your hearts.”  Some people are simply moved to tears.  If they wish, the migrants share their thoughts and prayers in the group.  A boy of 7 years old, gave thanks to God for helping his family arrive at this shelter safely after being detained by immigration at the border entry.  As the prayer time concludes, several people of faith ask Sr. Rosa for her blessings as they prepare to leave the shelter and continue their journey of asylum while staying with family or a sponsor.

Each day, at the end of the prayer, the people approach Sr. Rosa and thanked her. One man gave her some pesos and Sr. Rosa gently said, ‘no thank you – you are going to need this money.’  He insisted and said, please receive it, I give it with all my heart and thank you for your presence with us.  This is truly an application of the Gospel experience, where the poor want to give of the little they have.

PRESENCE in the Present Moment is all we have together with each man, woman, and child at the shelter… and it is truly holy ground.  

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."

MIGRANT MINISTRY REFLECTIONS - I

There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation. They are not recognized by international conventions as refugees; they bear the loss of the lives they have left behind, without enjoying any legal protection whatsoever. Sadly, there is widespread indifference to such suffering, which is even now taking place throughout our world. Our lack of response to these tragedies involving our brothers and sisters points to the loss of that sense of responsibility for our fellow men and women upon which all civil society is founded. Laudato Si, #25

Center:  Sr. Natalia Mejia, RJM  Back left to right:  Sr. Rosie Nicholson, RJM    Sr. Norene Costa, RJM    Sr. Rosa Mejia, RJM

From Sr. Norene Costa, RJM (Province of USA - Haiti)

"In the darkness of the night, white vans transport migrant families to the shelter. Approximately 125 mothers, fathers and children arrive at the shelter, located in a diocesan retreat center. Upon arrival, there is a background check of the migrants by border officials, followed by a medical examination of each newcomer.  What was once a school auditorium now serves as a bedroom furnished with cots and a blanket, but no pillow. After being assigned a bed, the families are served a hot meal – their first experience of “THIS IS MY BODY OF FOOD AND FREEDOM.”

 As daylight dawns, Sr. Rosie, Sr. Natalia, Sr. Rosa and I head to the shelter, show our identity to security guards at the gate, and enter the facility. 

I spent my time with children of all ages doing art projects. They meet in the playroom, or weather permitting, outdoors in the sun.  Most of the children (and many of the parents) have never been to school.  Their drawings, crafts and the colors that they choose are spectacular and are a reminder on another level that “THERE IS SO VERY MUCH HOPE FOR THE EXCLUDED.”

My days with these migrant parents and children passed quickly, but remain with me for a lifetime and beyond. With all my heart I thank Claudine for the “push” that sent me to this border ministry, and to Zechariah and Elizabeth for the encouragement, model and conviction that nothing is impossible with God that led me to say “YES” to working with the migrants, even in my old age!

May God continue to bless and keep safe all migrant families and all those who minister to them and try to make “A PLACE AT THE TABLE” for each one."

Colaborando por un mundo más justo e igualitario

Nuestras Hermanas de la comunidad de Orihuela (Alicante) participan, a lo largo del año, como voluntarias en la tienda de Comercio Justo de Cáritas Inter-parroquial de Orihuela y en las actividades de alfabetización de mujeres que han migrado a España con la ONG Vega Baja Acoge.

España