OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“In reliving the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, may we rediscover the grace of the transforming encounter with the Risen Lord, who is with us always.” (Pope Francis)
The recent earthquakes in Mexico have called the world’s attention to our vulnerable brothers and sisters in that country. It is in that context of encountering God in the vulnerable, that we continue “talking story” with those on the margins, including migrants and refugees on the borders of Mexico as we accompany each other on our journey of faith, our Emmaus encounter of the Risen Lord walking with us.
“El Comedor,” a Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Mexico, was founded and is served by Catholics — laity, nuns and priests — from both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border. Nogales is a U.S. port of entry known as Mariposa and is a dream destination for many migrants and refugees crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. But for thousands, the dream has turned into the danger of kidnapping and death by drug cartels and gangs exploiting and extorting migrants, as well as the harsh reality of deportation back to the countries with the violence and economic desperation so many migrants are struggling to escape.
Breaking bread
Every day, parish and school volunteers from both sides of the Arizona-Mexico border arrive before dawn at El Comedor, a one-room building in Nogales, to prepare meals for those facing the journey back to their countries and the horrors of violence, famine and poverty. They set the tables and welcome hungry, weary, downtrodden travelers with hot food, new clothes and free medical and legal aid. All are invited to “break bread” in a living Eucharist with the Risen Lord and all receive resources to continue their journey with less fear and more hope.
Strengthening spirits
The miracle of Emmaus continues repeatedly as Hermanas of the Eucharist and Jesuits greet all with a heartfelt “bienvenidos” and a playful game to temporarily relieve their stressed and sorrowful spirits. All are asked to share their stories as they break bread together on their long journey.
A young man from Honduras spoke of losing a cousin to murder by gangs and then losing both his legs when he tried to jump on a train to escape the violence in his home town. Now with the help and nourishment of volunteers from El Comedor, he is hopeful to achieve refugee status, gain employment and perhaps one day walk again with the use of prosthetics.
Three indigenous women deported back to their Mexican villages share stories of finding security in each other during their time at El Comedor where they have now decided to travel home together rather than risk rape and death on the border.
Sharing vulnerability
The laity, nuns and priests are also vulnerable to the daily dangers and threats from human traffickers as they struggle to live the Eucharist with migrants suffering on the margins. Young Salvadoran refugees fleeing gang violence in their country speak about the spiritual and physical nourishment they receive in El Comedor. A homeless wounded man named Guadalupe arrives late with flies all over his wet rotting rags. He is bathed by hand and clothed by volunteers before being sent to the hospital for care and counseling.
These are only a few of the images from the everyday experiences of migrants and those accompanying them on borders all over the world, in this shared vulnerable journey of Emmaus, a Living Eucharist and encounter with the Risen Lord. For more information, please visit www.kinoborderinitiative.org. Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
