MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Winter 2025
Coralis Salvador, U.S.-Mexico Border
On a recent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky, Coralis found the grounding she needed to continue discerning her path in mission.
“Be Still and Know that I am God”
Psalm 46:10
Greetings from El Paso! It has been quite a challenging year at the Border. Once more, I find myself reflecting on where I am being led, as my missioner contract ends in December. In November, during my 8-day silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani (Kentucky), I received the above quote three times. I trust I am in the right place for now.
A mother and daughter prepare for their immigration hearing—supported by the steady presence of court observers who accompany families through an overwhelming process.
Court Observer (CO): Immigration Judges (IJ) hold many master hearings each day, from 1 to 24 cases. As a CO, we welcome the respondents even before they walk into the court building, and a lawyer briefs them on the court process. I then walk with them into the courtroom.
One respondent, there with her daughter, was trembling with nervousness and fear of the unknown outcome of her case. CO presence offers assurance that they are not alone and that we will be there regardless of the outcome. We remind people to write their relative’s emergency phone contact on their arm in case they are detained and their phone is taken. Often, in their nervousness, they can’t recall the number.
It was a great relief when ICE officers did not detain her after the hearing. The IJ gave her a 60-day continuance.
At Casa Vides, participants learned firsthand about migrant journeys, resilience, and the power of accompaniment.
The Encuentro Project (TEP): This year we hosted a total of 17 groups in our TEP. Several schools cancelled due to negative narratives about the Border situation. At present, El Paso has only two shelters open; often, there are more volunteers than guests (paroled guests waiting for work permits and Social Security cards in the mail).
Our final TEP group experienced the simple living accommodations at the Casa Vides shelter. Many participants were deeply touched and opened their hearts to the struggles of the migrants they met.
As we end the year, I share with you this prayer from Thomas Merton:
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always… I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
May you have a meaningful Christmas and blessings in the New Year. I am grateful for your prayer, love, and partnership in our mission.
Coralis
Please consider supporting my mission work at the U.S.-Mexico Border with a donation through the link below.
I invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Coralis is a community volunteer at a shelter for asylum seekers released from ICE or CBP detentions and at “La Tilma” feeding program of Sacred Heart Church in El Paso, Texas. She previously served with Maryknoll Lay Missioners in Kenya for 19 years. She is the co-author of the Orbis book What’s So Blessed About Being Poor?
