United in Faith

Dear Newman Community,

Last weekend a group of students and I drove to El Paso for the annual Border Mass. Hosted by the Dioceses of Las Cruces, El Paso, and Juarez, the Mass is an opportunity for Catholics living on the border to come together to remember the migrants who have died crossing the border.

This year’s Mass was held at the canal in Chihuahuita, a community in downtown El Paso. When we arrived it became clear the canal runs through a very active community, filled with homes, businesses, and life on both sides of the border. Bishop Seitz, from the Diocese of El Paso, shared in his homily that (paraphrase) while borders, whether the borders on a soccer field or between countries, serve a purpose our faith calls us to consider them also as bridges, and opportunity for encounter and unity. He reminded us that we are all one in faith, regardless of which side of the border we live on, all headed to the same home with God. Bishop Seitz also challenged us to consider how God crossed a border, through Jesus in the incarnation, to be with us, out of love for us, and how we are called to respond by following in the footsteps of Jesus.

​Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make this happen staff at the diocesan pastoral centers as well as member of the border patrol who were very gracious and supportive. To learn more about the Church’s teaching on immigration and “welcoming the stranger among us,” visit the U.S. Bishops’ website at www.usccb.org/issuesandaction/humanlifeanddignity/immigration/

Peace,
Mona