April 12, 2018 – Palominas, AZ

In 2003, a deadly year for migrant travelers, TIBURCIO US CHAN, age 40 from the Yucatan, traveled through Mexico with a dream in his heart.   The journey for Tiburcio was long and arduous, with many moments of desperation, but the thoughts of his family, who depended on his safe entry into a world of new possibilities, kept him walking.   A few miles after crossing the US/MX border near the San Pedro River, his hope-filled dream ended in view of the border wall that so signifies our country’s loathing for the “other”, the one who is different from “us”.

May we soften our hearts of stone and indifference toward the plight of our migrant brothers and sisters!!

 

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March 30, 2018 – Douglas, AZ

Today on Good Friday afternoon, at the same time that Jesus died on the cross, we remembered the life and death of a young woman, NORA CECILIA HUERTAS HERNANDEZ, age 19, who died near the Douglas Border Patrol Station in 2003.  Nora collapsed soon after she crossed the border wall that separates Mexico and the US.   Nora was flown to St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, but sadly died before she could receive medical care.   We have no knowledge of why Nora died so young and what exactly caused her death.   All we know is that she risked all for a dream of a better life for herself and her family.

We are grateful to have been accompanied by Notre Dame Prep students and teachers from Baltimore, Maryland, Tucson Samaritan friends and other committed persons who believe that no one should die without being remembered.

We pray that Nora’s family, who without doubt was remembering her today, be consoled in their loss and that Nora rests in the arms of a loving God.

 

March 20, 2018 – Overlooking the wall near Ambos Nacos

MAGDALENA ANTONIO PÉREZ was just 21years old when her life came to an end, after crossing the Border wall in Naco, SO.   She walked the path of thousands of travelers desiring a dignified life for their family, but her dream was cut short very early in her journey.   May God hold Magdalena in the palm of his hand forever.

We thank Tom Flemming and Rich Wekerle for making our memorial crosses that are planted to remember our fallen sisters and brothers.  (75 so far).   We also thank our friends Terri and Gil Gutierrez from Albuquerque who accompanied us today in this memorial.

 

March 16, 2018 – Douglas, AZ

In 2003, DELIA HERRERA ATITLANO, age 45, ended her life journey near the US/MX Border in Douglas, AZ.   Today we were honored to have students and faculty from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. pray with us for the peaceful rest of Delia and for her family as they continue to experience her loss.

March 9, 2018 – Santa Cruz River, Benson, AZ

We gathered near the San Pedro River, a migration corredor for humans and animals for thousands of years, to remember a fellow traveler whose journey ended unfulfilled on the banks of this river.   Only his bones were found on 11/16/2017, but he was remembered today as a fully human person who had hopeful dreams, a loving family who awaits his return, and a deep passion to provide a dignified life for his family.

We are grateful today for our friends from Milwaukee who accompanied us and for their commitment to return home and share about the desastating journey that our friends undertake daily.

February 25, 2018 – Tumacacori Mts.

This week we remember the 10th Anniversary of the death of JOSSELINE JAMILETH HERNANDEZ QUINTEROS, 14 years old, who was left behind in the Tumacacori Mountains to die.  She and her 10 year old brother were on their journey to be reunited with their mother in Los Angeles.  Her brother was carried away crying as Josseline was left alone to face her death in the cold winter of the Sonoran desert.  May she rest in peace.

 

February 22, 2018 – Hwy. 80 East, Douglas, AZ

“As long as we live, they too will live; for they are a part of us 

as we remember them.”

A beautiful and touching memorial was experienced today by all who gathered to remember the arduous journey of a man, unknown to us but known to God and his family and friends.  He walked mountain trails and valley arroyos with the deep desire to give more opportunity for a fuller life to his family, who, after 7 years, still do not know where he breathed his last.

We are grateful to the students and teachers of the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest, New Jersey, who shared in the pain and consequence of a broken, hateful immigration policy.   May they return home to their loved ones and friends, committed to speak the truth about both the anguish and beauty of our borderlands.

February 13, 2018 – Paul Spur, Douglas, AZ

“Merciful God, we pray to you for all the men, women and children who have died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life. Though many of their graves bear no name, to you each one is known, loved and cherished.   May we never forget them, but honor their sacrifice with deeds rather than words”.       Pope Francis

What a blessing to have the Company of Mary Sisters and a dedicated laywoman from Colombia join us in remembering DIEGO LOPEZ CRUZ who died near Douglas AZ. on 7/8/11.

We prayed, along with Pope Francis, that we, as a nation, awake from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to the suffering of our migrant sisters and brothers and be freed from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and self-centeredness.   Amen

February 10, 2018 – Geronimo Trail, Douglas, AZ

   JOSE LUIS IBARRA LERMA, age 20, from Sonora, MX was remembered today by a group of 35 compassionate and commited persons from diverse faith traditions and regions of our country.   Today, we prayed from Isaiah 35 where the writer said:

”they will enter Zion with singing;  everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

We prayed that the “sorrow and sighing” of Jose Luis’ family will be lessened and that “gladness and joy” will overtake him in his newfound home with God.

January 27, 2018 – St. Francis Mission, Elfrida, AZ

Today, the memorial cross of FAUSTINO RODRIGUEZ FUENTES was put in a place of honor on the grounds of the St. Francis Mission in Elfrida, AZ.    He is now a member of this faith community, a part of the family.   The St. Francis Mission community has promised to care for his grave site and to never forget what led to his death in the desert around Elfrida in 2010.

Before we planted Faustino’s cross on the church grounds, Brother David Buer, OFM shared a reflection on Pope Francis’ 2018 Message of Peace that urges us to stand in solidarity with the 250 million migrants and refugees in our world.

Also, we were blessed to share in the drumming and singing of young adolescent girls and boys from diverse Nations of Arizona guided by the wisdom of our friend, Charlie One Horse of Bisbee, AZ.