MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Spring 2026

Coralis Salvador, Special Assignment, Beirut, Lebanon

What God-given grace/gift are you sharing?

Greetings from Beirut, Lebanon!

Jesuit Refugee Team Lebanon Governorate

The struggles experienced by women and children in the Middle East because of war, political turmoil, natural disasters, and various other difficulties have profoundly impacted me. Instead of taking a vacation, I explored the possibility of serving them.

The Arrupe Migrant Center (AMC) in Beirut accepted my application to serve for eight weeks starting Jan. 7. AMC is one of the projects working with the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS); it is in St Joseph Parish, Tabaris, next to downtown Beirut. Dee Dungy, a co-lay missioner, has been serving here since April 2025. The center is a pastoral and social home to migrant workers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, refugees from Sudan, Syria, Ethiopia, other African nations, and internally displaced Lebanese. They are families, couples, mixed-marriage couples, singles, youths and children . It focuses on pastoral care and offers basic assistance and referrals to migrants in need of medical and educational provisions.

A cricket game at the Arrupe Migrant Center

At weekends, the parish is the hub for picnics, sports, i.e. cricket, volleyball, and different events like meetings of various groups, choir practices, mini markets (from clothing, shoes to food and drinks.) The parish has provided a section for Buddhists to gather and pray (most of them are refugees from Sri Lanka).

Every Sunday after the 11 am English mass, each group takes a turn preparing and serving lunch to all the mass participants. On occasion, traditional festivities hosted by each country occur, giving the opportunity to experience and appreciate their customs, dance, songs, and food. It is heartwarming to see the center used as a community/family center and see how they are in solidarity maintaining rapport and respect for one another.

The adult members have their respective activities while the youth – migrant children (from 8-12 years of age) and teens (13-17 years) – , have their meals together and then break into their respective pastoral groups. They end the afternoon together with the celebration of the Eucharist and snacks before going home. The music-oriented youths have formed a band to develop their talents. At present the young adult group (18-25 yrs) called “Via 21” is in the formation stage. It brings joy to witness their fun and joy.

Seed of Hope Meeting

At AMC, Jesuit Father Henry Ponce, the AMC Director and parish priest, asked me and Jesuit Father Rayan Lobo, to work on a workshop where engaged couples can take a marriage preparation session. The goal is to lead the couple through a comprehensive experience that educates, inspires, and deepens their relationship. It emphasizes that marriage is a mission. A designated sponsor couple will mentor them during this process. This program is an enhanced tool for couples.

Lebanon is a beautiful, historical-biblical country where migrants are welcomed. This experience brought Jesus’ question alive: “Who is my brother and sister?” It has reaffirmed that we can be one if and when we choose to. I am especially grateful to be among my Filipino sisters & brother migrants. They made me proud of my heritage and faith. Each of them carries and shares their faith in action wherever they find themselves. I saw and experienced how the Jesuits, AMC, along with the bishops, the other NGOs i.e. Caritas, Tres Marias, Lebanese parish members and embassies work together to support migrants, refugees and internally displaced people. Hope is alive despite the safety insecurities brought about by Israel’s drone-threats presence.

As for my quest to know where I’m led for the next five years, a text from my niece on Valentines Day spoke to my heart: “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you . . . Remember not the former things, or consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:4, 18-19)

Until my next letter, I pray that we all remain open to accept one another without prejudices. I appreciate your continued support and partnership in our mission.

Gratefully with love and many blessings,
Coralis

A brief follow-up:

Reflecting on my Beirut experience:
The early morning of March 2nd was the first 2026 drone attack in Southern Lebanon. The impact was felt in downtown Beirut. It was a tense and alarming situation for all. No warning was given, people ran out into the crowded street fearing for their lives. Confusion and panic surrounded everyone. That same day, the AMC immediately responded by converting the offices into a shelter for internally displaced migrants. The JRS team organized and structured its set up.

Personally:  My body felt fear, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. I kept asking myself, “What can I do?” At the same time, my spirit was calm trusting that God put me at this time and place for a purpose.  I need not know why, but I have the sense that I am part of something bigger than myself. I was suffering with those who were displaced. The pain and fear did not matter. I felt God was with us – and that consoled my spirit.  I joined the night shift at the shelter until my flight took me back to El Paso on March 12th.

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