Camden bishop celebrates Mass for migrant workers

Camden, N.J., Aug 23, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Bishop Joseph Galante of Camden celebrated a Spanish-language Mass for migrant farm workers at the Marino Brothers Farm Monday. Most of the workers come from Chiapas, Mexico; others come from Florida and the Carolinas looking for seasonal work.

"I'm happy to be able to do this for the people who come here," the bishop told the Gloucester County Times. "They work very hard to support their families."

Between 60 and 80 migrant workers are employed at the farm over the summer. The workers rarely leave the farm as they work 11 hours per day, seven days per week. They are paid $360 a week. Food costs $55 and accommodations are free.

Augustine Hernandez, a crew leader at the farm for 10 years, told the newspaper that the mass was significant as Catholicism is very important for the workers.

Sr. Kathleen Brown, director of the Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Camden, told the Glocester County Times that it was important for the bishop to celebrate the mass at the farm with the people.

"To recognize their work and their contribution, it's important to be here to see them personally," she reportedly said.