Bridging Community Across Computer Screens
A Reflection from Ana Reza, Bridge Chaplain
After many months of not being able to go to the shelters because of the pandemic, we were able to gather together virtually with the community of asylum seekers in the San Mathias shelter in Juarez on Epiphany. Through conversation and prayer, connected in community by a computer screen, we celebrated the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ. A projector installed last month by one of our volunteers, Douglas Winter, made the virtual experience extra special. In our hearts we felt God alive!
This new equipment has allowed us to see our friends and neighbors’ faces, and for them to see ours, for the first time since March of last year when we were visiting the shelters in person. Through the collaboration of Douglas and Padre Hector, the administrator of the two shelters in Juarez we work with, this new set up has allowed for volunteers to “visit” the shelter weekly to lead virtual exercise class, parenting classes, and prayer services, and it really does enhance the communication.
As soon as we started these virtual visits, I couldn’t help the huge smile I found spreading across on my face: I felt full of love. Even on that day of Epiphany when the storming of the US capitol stirred such sadness and anger in me, I found that from the moment we entered that virtual room my heart filled with love, gratitude, and compassion. We conversed, read scriptures, reflected in groups and prayed. It was a holy moment as we met our neighbors at the border. There were at least 8 people in the shelters that stood up to introduce themselves and bravely tell their stories. They shared how the fear of violence and their concern for the lives of their children had pushed them forward on this long and dangerous journey.
One young man in particular stuck out to me. He said that he was grateful to be in the shelter, grateful for the work of Padre Hector, who is the pastor of three faith communities, two of which provide shelter for asylum seekers. Espirito Santo is one of the few shelters that the city of Juarez has designated as a quarantine shelter, where new arrivals to the shelters will begin quarantine for 15 days. Most are then transferred to the other shelter, San Mathias. We at the Epsicopal Diocese of the Rio Grande work in partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Northern Mexico to support these two shelters.
When this young man then mentioned my name, I realized it was the same person I had been talking to since Christmas Eve. What a joy to know that he was finally in this shelter. When I had first spoken with him, he was in a quarantine shelter where things are busy and noisy. He had gone through a very traumatic experience, and he was living in fear. It is great to see him now in a calmer place and to learn that he has received care for his psychological trauma as his case is being reviewed by lawyers.
These dehumanizing policies, like the Migrant Protection Protocols, keep putting people in danger. Please continue to keep the safety of asylum seekers in your prayers, and consider supporting our ministry. Providing a safe place is the first step to building community.
Call for Submissions: Canvas of Hope
Canvas of Hope is accepting donations of paintings, printmaking, photography, drawings, prints, mixed media, and sculpture. Submitted art will be auctioned to raise money to support shelters in Juárez and Ojinaga, Mexico. The art will be displayed on our website and for our online media event, May 1st, 2021. The event will feature artists passionate about migration, including musical performances, poetry readings, artists talks, and more.100% of the proceeds will go towards supporting the work of RGBM.
REMINDER: Session 2 of the Sin Fronteras Reading Group
STARTING TODAY AT 2:30PM MST!
Led by The Rev. David Chavez and The Rev. Mike Wallens
We will move through the book Cruelty as Citizenship: How Migrant Suffering Sustains White Supremacy, by LatinX Cristina Beltran. Our schedule will follow the following chapter breakdown & we will meet on Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:00pm MST starting on:
Feb. 10- Week One: Introduction
Feb. 17- Week Two: Chapter 1
Feb. 24- Week Three: Chapter 2
March 3- Week Four: Chapter 3
March 10- Week Five: Conclusion
March 17- Week Six: Open Forum: Connecting the dots, mobilizing action.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and associates interested in reading, discussing, and critiquing this important text . Zoom info below.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84481427404?pwd=ODI1RDBydmVWUGpkblpWY1JrUG8wQT09
Meeting ID: 844 8142 7404
Passcode: borders
God of the journey, God of the traveler,
We pray for those who leave their homes in search of new beginnings and possibilities, may they know your presence with them.
We pray that those who seek to make a home in this country
may find us welcoming and willing to help them find a path toward citizenship,
We pray that our legislators, as they craft new immigration legislation
may find the wisdom and courage to enact new policies that do justice for our country and for those who would immigrate here.
We pray for those who fan the flames of fear and discrimination against the undocumented
may be touched with your divine compassion.
We pray in Jesus' name.
Amen.
The Archdiocese of Chicago