St. Eugene de Mazenod —founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate— knew firsthand what it meant to be displaced. During the French Revolution, his family had to flee their homeland, leaving behind everything they had. As a refugee, he experienced uncertainty, loss and uprootedness, but he also understood the value of faith and charity in times of crisis. Inspired by his testimony, the volunteers of the Oblate Pastoral Center in Tijuana want to be that light of hope for those in need.
In recent weeks, the situation of migrants in the United States has reached an alarming level. Men, women and entire families are being detained without warning, torn from their homes, their jobs and their communities.
Migration has been a controversial issue, with diverse opinions and positions, but beyond the political debate, the reality is that thousands of families will be separated, many people will lose the little or much they have built in the United States and will arrive at their destination with no money, no belongings and without the support of family or friends.
IMAGE BY: BBC NEWS
Tijuana has become a key arrival point. There are many migrants who arrived here in caravan, some already stranded waiting for an appointment to request political asylum. In 2019, during the first caravan, thanks to the Migrant Program we gave support to more than 150 families, and now, with the people who have been deported, we expect the number of beneficiaries to triple.
Through this program, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate provide support to those facing the harsh reality of deportation. With an approach based on love and service, they offer medical and psychological care, legal advice and spiritual accompaniment, with the mission of restoring dignity and hope to each person who arrives in search of a new beginning.
In response to the current crisis, we are working to expand our program, now with psychological support to address the emotional distress of migrants, helping them cope with the anguish of separation and the impact of uprooting. In addition, we are looking to integrate teachers and volunteers to teach Spanish to children and families who are not fluent in the language, which will allow them to communicate and adapt more easily to their new reality.
IMAGE BY: EXPANSIÓN POLÍTICA
We are also organizing to collect and distribute clothing, blankets and basic necessities for those who arrive with nothing, ensuring that they find shelter and protection in their first contact with the city.
In the face of this crisis, the Gospel calls us to respond with compassion and love: “Whatever you did for the least of my brethren, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
Today we invite you to be part of this mission. With your prayer and support, we can continue to offer help and comfort to those who need it most.
Leave a Reply