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.