The group visited a domestic crisis shelter, House of Hope, operated in Douglas by Catholic Community Services to provide temporary housing, counseling and safety for families suffering abuse.
The bishops and other group members spoke with the caregivers and met and talked with some of the residents at the shelter, including a number of young children.
“It was moving,” said Bishop Kicanas. “They want to live ordinary lives, but they have faced extraordinary difficulties.”
Crossing the border into Agua Prieta, the entourage visited a house for migrants sponsored by the Archdiocese of Hermosillo and the detention center where the Mexican government holds Central American migrants in search of work and a better life for their families.
A stop was made at the “Just Coffee” operation, a cooperative that is trying to provide just wages and opportunities for families in Chiapas, Mexico. The Just Coffee products are marketed in the U.S., including at several parishes in the Diocese of Tucson.
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The group celebrated Mass together at Holy Family Parish in Agua Prieta and later enjoyed supper together.
Participants in the day’s activities were Father Gilbert Malu, pastor of St. Luke Parish, Father Sean Carroll, executive director of the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Father Ivan Bernal, pastor of Holy Family Parish, Joanne Welter, director of social missions for the Diocese of Tucson, and others.
“The day solidified our relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Bishop Kicanas. “We will continue to look for new ways of working together in our pastoral outreach to our communities.”