“We are called to see in each and every person the face of our God. That is why we are here today,” Bishop Gerald Barnes said at that start of his homily. “Our dignity comes from our God…No one, no law, no politician, no fear, no attitude, no government, no gang, no terrorist, can take that dignity away.”
The 10th Annual Migration Mass was also unique this year for its support from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as Cardinal Roger Mahony and Auxiliary Bishops Edward Clark, Oscar Solis and Alexander Salazar joined Bishop Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio del Riego as concelebrants.
A focus on prayer and awareness regarding the worldwide refugee crisis was chosen for the Mass. A powerful symbol of the issue was provided by Cardinal Mahony in the form of a chalice made of wood from a boat that shipwrecked attempting to carry North African refugees to the Italian island of Lampedusa in 2013. The chalice was presented during the offeratory at the Migration Mass.
In addition, at the conclusion of the Mass testimonies were offered by refugees from Vietnam, Guatemala and Syria, bringing a stirring human dimension to the crisis. Syrian teenager Maya Abou Mousa talked about the impact of the civil war gripping her native land.
“It has torn my life apart, forced me to leave my home, my family, my friends,” she said. “What ISIS is doing to Christians in Syria goes against everything the United States stands for.”
The Bishops of the United States have called on the federal government to allocate 100,000 annual resettlement slots for the most vulnerable refugees fleeing violence in Syria, and an additional 100,000 slots for refugees in other parts of the world.
The emotional testimony of Guatemalan refugee Elva Marroquin, flanked by her two small children, also raised the issue of immigration policy. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security in January began an aggressive effort to deport Central American migrants who have come to the United States since 2014 seeking asylum.
Marroquin tearfully said she feared for her life and her children’s lives if they are deported.
“We come here looking for work and dignity,” she said in Spanish.
A similar message was offered by six-year-old Sophie Cruz of Los Angeles who asked Bishop Barnes during the Mass if she could say a few words. Cruz, whose Mexican born parents are undocumented, stepped on to the world stage in September when she was able to embrace and speak briefly with Pope Francis as he rode through Washington D.C. in the Papal Motorcade. She reportedly asked the Holy Father to protect her parents and others who are undocumented from deportation.
At the Migration Mass she sounded that call again.
“I ask that the violence against migrants stop,” Cruz said, speaking in Spanish. “I ask for peace in our households.”
This year’s Migration Mass was the most well-attended in the liturgy’s 10-year history. Father Guy Wilson, ST, Pastor of Our Lady of Soledad, said the people of the parish were honored to have the diocesan event in Coachella. A committee of 42 people, representing 15 different parish ministries, came together to help plan the event.
“It was made clear to all of us that this was not only a celebration for the Migrant and Refugee survivors but a celebration prepared by the Migrants and immigrants,” said Fr. Wilson, reflecting on the event. “This sparked the flame.”