Passionist presence with the immigrant community

The following are two ministry experiences from the Passionist family in North America with the immigrant community.

Hugo Esparza’s ministry experience

March 10, 2010, a group of 8 undocumented students, member of the Immigrant Youth Justice League (www.iyjl.org), decided that political inaction was not only going to limit their future but that its dangerous for their present. On that day an even was organized in Chicago and our message was plain and straightforward:

We undocumented youth, who are most affected by political inaction or inhuman, incomprehensive legislation and who are always muted and left in the shadows, invited President Obama, Mrs. Napolitano (Director of Homeland Security) and Senator Durbin (D-IL) to come and sit out table where we will discuss solutions to our broken immigration system, but they did not show up.

This message was heard by a crowd of about 1,000 people in Chicago’s Federal Plaza. These young men and women, after weeks of preparation and coalition building with local grass-roots organizations, decided to break their silence and put their safety on the line in order to bring attention to the Nation’s broken Immigration System. This came about after immigrant rights organizers from around the nation have felt that the Obama Administration has turn its back and their promise on a Comprehensive Immigration Reform this year. On top of this, in Obama’s first year in office there has been an intensification of deportations with the disguise of targeting only criminals,  and the issue of immigration only received thirty-eight words in the President’s State of the Union this past February. 

My work with the Immigrant Youth Justice League has been that of solidarity and accompaniment. My witness as a Passionist has been very much at the forefront of my work and commitment with this group of young men and women as they seek ways to find liberation from the heavy cross that has been imposed on them.

 

Sr. Angeles Benevides Ministry Experience

The Passionist Sisters in Mexico have a ministry site in Agua Prieta, which is located in the state of Sonora in Mexico. Agua Prieta share a border with Arizona and many migrants who try to cross the desert or who get deported from this area of the southwest end up in this town. The sisters work with an immigrant resource center to supply the migrant community food, medical services and other basic necessities free of charge.

The sisters operate two resource sharing organizations: the CRM (Center for Migrant Resources) and the CAME (Center for attention to migrants in Exodus.) Through a network of volunteers and local donations these organizations provide a myriad of services to the migrant population. These migrants are often tired, hungry and very depressed for having failed in seeking opportunities for themselves and their families. Besides basic necessities they often require someone to talk with and to help them find any hope in this desperate moment. The donations of food and basic supplies are offered by local groups and businesses who cherish this meaningful ministry of service and presence.

Another project that the Sisters run in Agua Prieta is an IECC (Immigrants in Exodus Care Center). This is a basic overnight shelter that welcomes the immigrant population. In this shelter the Passionist Sisters come after work hours to offer hospitality, support and consolation and to also cook meals for these tired and hungry travelers.

The Passionist community of Sisters in Mexico have accepted this activity as a way to accompanying. Jesus in those who are suffering today and to offer hope and meaning to a desperate population whose cries and frustrations are constantly present even as it seeks into our hearts.

4 Responses to “Passionist presence with the immigrant community”

1. David Risher says:

   August 12, 2010 at 8:36 pm

   It would be greatly appreciated if we could get the address of the Passionist Sisters in Agua Prieta, Sonora. We have been supporting their work through Holy Trinity Monastery in St David.
   We also vsit Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine in Sierra Vista, Arizona, not far from the Sisters in Agua Prieta. We would love to drop off a load of food and supplies for their work with migrants when we are in the area. We also understand from Father Henri that their middle school is in great need. If possible an address in Agua Prieta would be appreciated.
   Yours In Christ,

   David Risher & Elia Torres Rivera
2. John Gonzalez says:

   August 13, 2010 at 8:08 am

   David and Elia, Thank you for offering to help our community in their ministry to the migrant community. I will get that information and send that along as soon as I get it from our Mexican sisters. Peace,
3. code maroon says:

   October 29, 2010 at 7:34 pm

   It would be greatly appreciated if we could get the address of the Passionist Sisters in Agua Prieta, Sonora. We have been supporting their work through Holy Trinity Monastery in St David.
   We also vsit Our Lady of the Sierras Shrine in Sierra Vista, Arizona, not far from the Sisters in Agua Prieta. We would love to drop off a load of food and supplies for their work with migrants when we are in the area. We also understand from Father Henri that their middle school is in great need. If possible an address in Agua Prieta would be appreciated.
   Yours In Christ,

   David Risher & Elia Torres Rivera
4. John Gonzalez says:

   October 29, 2010 at 11:25 pm

   I am so sorry I never got back to you with this information. I have just contacted the Mexican sister requesting the address and I will send it as soon as she forwards it to me.
   John