Life on the Border

Dear Newman Community,

For the last several years, Campus Ministry has taken groups of students in Alternative Spring Break service trips. We have visited San Diego, CA, Camden, NJ, Flint, MI, and Albuquerque, among others. On these trips and in our networking at conferences with other universities, we've learned how often other universities bring students to our Borderland for spring break or summer trips.

This has been a good reminder about what a rich opportunity we have right here in our back yard. We don't have to go far to )ind families in profound economic and social need. We don't have to go far to serve Jesus in the poor.

With this in mind, Sal and I spent part of the last week visiting with organizations and groups serving the poor and vulnerable in our local community. Our visits included a conversation with Edith Tapia, of Hope Border Institute, walking along the border fence in Chihuahuita, the neighborhood where the annual Diocesan Border Mass is held, a tour of Annunciation House, a house of hospitality for migrants, and a visit to the Assumptions Sisters at Flor y Canto convent in Chaparral, NM. (Photos at right show Edith, HBI, and David, Annunciation).

The people we met were so inspirational and such powerful witnesses of faith. It was obvious from even our short time together how much they care for the families of our border area and how hard they work to make sure their God given dignity is respected. I look forward to developing these partnerships and sharing the challenging learning experience with our students!

Peace,
​Mona