(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Summer 2025 Issue #116)
by Joe Makley, OFS
JPIC Animator
Last May, JPIC animators from around the US gathered at Holy Cross Retreat Center near Las Cruces, NM, to pray, to learn, to build, and to renew connections and commitment. Fr. Ignatius Harding, OFM, (who prefers to be called Br. Iggy) served as our spiritual assistant. On May 9, after morning prayer and a hasty breakfast, we boarded vans to El Paso for an interview with Ruben Garcia at Annunciation House. Ruben, the founder of this ministry, gave an impassioned talk about the realities of border life. He explained that it is one thing to say, “they should not come,” and another to hear a young mothers’ story of a desperate attempt to save her child from violence and see the cuts of the razor wire on her hands and feet. Ruben also decried the latest government actions, in particular the cancellations for people who had already been approved for entry. “We broke our word.” He asked for help with advocacy.
Next, we drove to San Martin de Porres Church in Sunland Park, New Mexico, where we met three local OFS fraternities for a beautiful Mass, and a bilingual gathering with flautas and guacamole. Marco Raposo, Director of Peace and Justice for the diocese of El Paso, shared the challenges of serving immigrants, and holding the annual cross-border mass under increasing restrictions. Robust discussion followed. Many thanks to Sofia and Arturo Villarreal, OFS, Louis Galvan, OFS and Br. Iggy, for joining the dialogue.
We then drove to the border wall for a prayer service, to honor the dignity of the many who lost their lives in the desert crossing, and those affected on both sides.
The next day began with a panel discussion, including Fr. Tom Smith, OFM Conv., director of Holy Cross RC, which has offered hospitality to immigrants for years, Bob Kee, from Tucson Samaritans, a desert rescue organization, Donna Hollis, OFS, who spoke about the children who arrived at Holy Cross, and Br. Iggy, who worked in a shelter in El Paso and with the Network for Migrants.
All the panelists described good people, families and individuals who bear no likeness to the horrific, dehumanized picture that has become normalized in our public discourse. We can help hold the line against this hurtful rhetoric.
The second session focused on JPIC leadership, with veteran animators Patricia Grace, Mike Huck, Jim Andreano, Susan Tabor, and Lynn Freeman sharing ideas, knowledge, wisdom, concerns, and affirmation for the difficult but rewarding work of JPIC. Mike and Susan demonstrated a Sister Water formation resource from the Care for Creation focus group.
In the afternoon, we were lifted up by Fr. Henry Beck, OFM, from Holy Cross RC, speaking on the Franciscan Spirituality of Beauty. Br. Iggy concluded the program connecting immigration justice to the integral ecology of Laudato Si. After mass, dinner and reflection, Donna Hollis, OFS, national councilor, spoke earnestly about choosing a life of service, both at Holy Cross RC, and in the OFS, inspiring all of us.
Holy Cross RC is an oasis of pecan groves and bird song in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is Franciscan, visually and in the heart, where friars and staff offer the warmest hospitality. We could not have picked a spot more conducive to the prayer and reflection that accompanied these visits and discussions.
Special thanks to Br. Iggy Harding, OFM, Donna Hollis at Holy Cross RC, Gigi Gregory in El Paso, and Brother David Buer, OFM, who were indispensable to the planning and the success of this retreat. Thanks also for the help of OFS members Mike Huck, Susan Tabor, Elenita Lesperance, Patricia Makley, and Ed and Noreen Ringlein.
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