On this frigid yet sunny day in the desert near the Chiricahua Mountains, we gathered to hold in our hearts the memory of JOSUE CARDENAS PADILLA, age 26, who died on April 4th of this year, after walking for days through the mountainous desert of southern Arizona. We prayed and sang to the beat of drums and the blasts of conchs, celebrating the life and dreams of this young man who believed that he could offer a fuller life to his family, if only he could overcome the hunger, thirst and exhaustion that finally stole his last breath.
We were accompanied by two stalwart and wise women who shared their gifts of song and prayer with us. We all were moved by their loving presence.
Each of us left this “grave site” of JOSUE saddened, yet committed to continue to do our utmost to put an end to this travesty of justice.
A poignant poem written by Eduardo Rahbe was shared. Here it is:
Pilgrimage of remembrance 