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."