Alerts Sign-up
In early November, a significant religious event took place at the southern border between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. Bishops from the dioceses of El Paso, Las Cruces, and Ciudad Juárez gathered to celebrate the Binational Mass. This event aimed to unite the border community in prayer for migrants and remember those who have lost their lives attempting to cross into the United States.
According to data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), since 2014, over 8,920 people have died or disappeared during migration journeys in the Americas. "More than half of these deaths were documented at the border between Mexico and the United States of America, which is the second deadliest land crossing in the world," stated the organization.
The Mass was celebrated on November 9 by Monsignor Guadalupe Torres, Bishop of Ciudad Juárez. He was joined by Monsignor Peter Baldacchino, Bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Monsignor Mark J. Seitz, Bishop of El Paso, Texas; and Auxiliary Bishop Anthony Celino of El Paso.
Bishop Torres opened the Binational Mass by greeting attendees from both sides of a wooden platform set up over Rio Bravo for this Eucharistic celebration. He described it as a sign "of God's closeness walking with his people," echoing Pope Francis's message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
However, he noted that "there are situations that cry out to heaven; there are realities of suffering and pain with our migrant brothers." He highlighted their arduous journey from South America to these borders as challenging and painful.
Bishop Torres reiterated Pope Francis's call for a Samaritan Church that actively meets migrants: “not waiting for our migrant brothers to arrive but going out to meet them." He emphasized welcoming, promoting, integrating, and protecting migrants while urging everyone to be "a church on a mission—a merciful and compassionate church."
"The temptation for us as a Church," said Bishop Torres quoting Pope Francis, "would also be indifference—the sin of indifference—the sin of doing nothing."
"We must work, serve, accompany with love and compassion like God does with our migrant brothers," he affirmed.
Bishop Torres stressed denouncing injustices such as persecution and extortion faced by migrants. He honored deceased migrants' memory: “We pray for their eternal rest... If Christ has risen again so have they.”
He concluded his homily by reminding everyone not to forget that migrants "are our brothers" deserving dignity. Society—churches, faithful members—and governments should ensure their well-being.
At Mass's end Monsignor Mark J. Seitz shared an unexpected letter sent by Pope Francis encouraging them "to help these needy brothers...welcoming them is an opportunity loaded with salvation because Jesus is present among those needing us."
Dylan Corbett from HOPE Border Institute told OSV News about how important this moment was amid fear among immigrant communities seeking protection at US borders: “The Binational Mass offers vision towards reconciled world,” emphasizing unity through Eucharist beyond borders/status divisions/race/economic divides—a vitalizing message needed today."
Marietha Góngora V., reporting from Washington for OSV News
