Mission to the Border ...by Sr. Paz

Benedictine Sisters ministering at the border

May 19 through 30, nine Benedictine sisters from different Monasteries around the United States joined Benedictine Sister Ursula in her ministry “Caridad de Corazón,” sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Boerne, in Eagle Pass, Texas. We ministered in Piedras Negras, Coahuila which is around one mile from Eagle Pass, to two migrations centers: Casa del Migrante- Frontera Digna, for men and women, and Casa del Migrante for women with babies; two orphanages that serve kids from 0-10 years old, Casa de Nazareth for boys and Casa de Nazareth for girls; and Bethesda House--a place that serves people with disabilities.

 On the first day, we visited the “Casa del Migrante,” served by Franciscan Sisters. Sister Isabel Turcios, gave us a tour and told us about their ministry there and also with the migrant mothers with babies. Then we visited the orphanages. The first three days we divided up: three sisters in the Casa Nazareth for boys, three in Casa Nazareth for girls, and the rest, together with sister Ursula, visited Casa del Migrante for mothers and Bethesda House. I chose first to be with the orphan girls. I was there together with Sisters Michel St. Marie and Carmy Luke.

Sr. Paz holding a baby

I learned that not all the children are orphans; some of them were there because their parents were in difficult situations and could not take care of them. Before we left, we asked what they wanted us to bring next day, and a couple of girls asked us if we can bring some roller skates their size to play. So next day we brought skates, together with some toys, shoes and clothes. We are so grateful for all the donors and supporters that made this mission trip possible. To bring a smile to the faces of these children, with signs that they already know what it is to suffer, does not have a price. That day we brought bottles of “bubbles” too. It was a lot of fun. We played in the patio for a little bit because it was so hot in Piedras Negras. We also danced and played hide and seek and shared many hugs and storytelling. 

The next three days we were with the boys. They liked having the “abuelas” better than us. I learned that the “abuelas,” Sister Gaby and Sister Kathy, played soccer with them. When we visited, we didn’t see the ball anywhere. My guess is that Sister Trinidad saves the ball for their visits to the park. I learned that some of the boys have sisters in the girls’ orphanage. We took pictures and videos of them to share with their siblings. It was heart breaking--the two orphanages are separated by only a couple of blocks but they don’t see each other. The children that attend elementary school can see their siblings there. We were fortunate to participate in a farewell party for a boy that was adopted together with his sister. Finally, they will be together. I also witnessed the sadness of the children that again were not to be adopted; while they saw another child find a family, once more they were still there waiting for another time. What we did was to play, sing, hug them, trying to bring some joy into their lives. It was interesting to see that some kids speak and read some English. One boy told me he has a brother in the United States.

The second week, we all visited Bethesda House, to serve people with disabilities. The living conditions of the House are very poor. They have so many needs: qualified personnel, resources, structure. I am grateful for the work of the Methodist pastor, but so much more is needed. It feels like we need to do more, not just one event. Sister Teresa Gunter’s family and her community provided for new furniture for their living room. The last day we threw a party for them. We brought a piñata, candies, bottles of bubbles, fried chicken and French fries with soda. It felt as if we were bringing an Oasis to their desert.