A new mission devoted exclusively to migrant ministry at the border between the United States and Mexico has begun. Bishop Eugenio Lira of the Diocese of Matamoros (signing a four-year contract at right) presided at a Solemn Mass on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, to officially inaugurate the venture at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.
Provincial Superior Kevin Zubel represented the Denver Province, joining confreres from the Provinces of Mexico and Baltimore (above), as well as several Vincentians, numerous diocesan priests, and an enthusiastic group of parishioners.
From the initial planning stage, it represented a strong collaboration among the Units of North America. “Fathers Mike McAndrew and Leonardo Moctezuma visited and assessed every diocese in Mexico along the border to discern where the Redemptorist charism could best serve the migrants and refugees hoping to find a new life in the United States,” Fr. Kevin explained. “Redemptorists in each Unit of North America have developed different approaches to mission. In Reynosa, we can bring those experiences together in the spirt of the charism that unites us. As in every mission we undertake, we know we will encounter Christ in new ways by accompanying those we are called to serve.”
According to Fr. Kevin, this new initiative is critically important for the Redemptorists because there are few in society more abandoned or marginalized than migrants and refugees who are in an exodus from a sure situation of poverty, violence or persecution toward an uncertain future. One missionary who has served in the area for more than 25 years told Fr. Kevin that he is overjoyed that the Redemptorist missionaries have begun a new ministry completely focused on serving the needs of the migrant people at the border.
Two confreres from the Province of Mexico – Br. Jesùs Roberto Ávalos Hernández, who has been appointed superior of the new community, and Fr. Leonardo Moctezuma Mora – have been assigned to the new ministry serving migrants in the Diocese of Matamoros. Our own Fr. Ted Dorcey will join the mission in January, and a confrere of the Baltimore Province also will be joining the new community.
(Fr. Agustin Cantu and Fr. Patrick Keyes contributed information and photos.)