MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Spring 2025
Coralis Salvador, U.S.-Mexico Border
In Juarez, migrants who were waiting for their appointment to seek asylum in the United States via CBP One (a mobile app developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection) are now stuck in limbo after the program was terminated in January.
“Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and God’s love is brought to perfection in us.” – 1 John 3:12
GREETINGS FROM EL PASO! I am not alone when I say we live in uncertain times from the start of this new administration. It is inspiring that so many are standing up and voicing concerns, especially for the welfare of our disregarded brothers and sisters.
It is also prophetic that Pope Francis named 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope, a year to pray, to offer works of justice and charity in the context of relationship with those in need. To delight in and care for creation. To grow as a human family. To journey together in hope. (cf. Letter on the Promotion of the New Evangelization for the Jubilee 2025). His Jubilee is a blueprint for me to persevere, not to be distracted, to continue on the path of service in a nonviolent way.
Shelters: As expected, the number of migrants being released to the shelters in El Paso is down.
In Juarez, migrants who were waiting for their appointment to seek asylum in the United States via CBP One (a mobile app developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection) are now stuck in limbo after the program was terminated in January. Mexico has erected huge white tents to welcome returning Mexican deportees. The presence of military staff abounds in Juarez. The two women I worked with in Juarez shifted their work to visiting shelters to assist migrants in understanding their asylum options and perhaps applying for work permits in Mexico.
The Mexico government is working with our government to stop the flow of migrants to the United States. In keeping with the Mexican president’s agreement with the United States, Mexico is sending 10,000 soldiers to Mexico’s southern border to stall or prevent the movement of migrants to the U.S. border.
Since Maryknoll Lay Missioners and Maryknoll Affiliates opened Bethany House this past September, there have been 23 guests who stayed for two weeks or more, and monthly Maryknoll family gatherings (priests, nuns, affiliates, and lay missioners) are held there.
Bethany House: Since Maryknoll Lay Missioners and Maryknoll Affiliates opened Bethany House this past September, we have had 23 guests staying for two weeks or more, and we hold monthly Maryknoll family gatherings (priests, nuns, affiliates, and lay missioners).
Our guests come to serve at one of the Annunciation House shelters or at Las Americas (a pro-bono legal firm for migrants). The house is open to Maryknoll lay missioners, current or former, and to affiliates. One guest said: “By offering a lodging option, it made it very easy to visit the border and be with the migrant community. I have grown in my understanding and empathy for the refugees on their journey.”
If you are interested in learning more about the affiliates, visit their website at maryknollaffiliates.org.
Currently, my favorite mantra, “Be in the moment,” is tested. I find myself emotionally raw, helpless against all the madness taking place and most sensitive especially to what is happening to many of our brothers and sisters being treated as cast-offs here as well as in other war-ravaged and catastrophic places.
I am praying more than I ever did before, persevering to be at peace and to keep the light of hope. Let us continue to pray for one another as we journey together in this uncertain period. I am sharing the lines which preserve my wherewithal:
Don’t give up on this year.
Keep fighting for the good.
Keep showing up. Keep loving.
Keep giving back. Keep being kind.
Keep being brave. Keep caring.
Keep trying new things.
Keep showing grace.
Keep On.
This world needs you
To believe in the good.(writer unknown)
Till my next, thank you for walking with us in our mission journey. Your support gives me hope.
With love and blessings,
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?
Coralis, thank you for sharing those words, reminding me, and all of us, that even when it can be so hard, This world needs us To believe in the good. It’s my fellow Maryknollers and the people you all serve who make it possible for me to keep believing every day – you show me the face of God in your beautiful faces.
I hear you Coralis. I never thought I would see a child or adult die of measles in the USA. I expect you never thought you would see people treated so cruelly who are seeking asylum in the USA. You are in my prayer. This too shall pass so keep going!!!!