By Sister Mary Waskowiak
Praying and marching in solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters in San Diego on February 9 was one of the most powerful experiences of my life.
How moving it was to be part of a multifaith crowd of more than 1,000 people publicly supporting the most vulnerable among us. How grateful I was to be with some members past and present of my intentional community, which supports the migrant person at every turn.
The prayer service began at St. Joseph Cathedral, where the large crowd overflowed on the church steps and grounds. Cardinal Robert McElroy, Episcopal Bishop Susan Brown Snook and other San Diego religious leaders, in coordination with the San Diego Organizing Project, a multifaith advocacy organization, led prayers.
Cardinal McElroy said the prayer service had two aims: to pray to God for help and to witness to our faith during this painful time.
“Just as Jesus, Mary and Joseph had to flee oppression to another land, so we must stand with those who are immigrants here in our midst now,” he said. “People on the ground are telling us that in our schools, in our churches, in the shopping areas, people are afraid to go in public now.”
I can personally testify to that reality having listened to the migrant persons who come for safety.
After the prayer service, children, women and men of all ages, including some in wheelchairs, marched together to the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building and Courthouse, talking among themselves in English, Spanish and other languages.
Stories, tears and recognition of one another infused the afternoon. Many people carried American flags as a sign that we seek to welcome and assist our migrant family members. After all, we belong to each other.
I never felt so at home in a crowd.
Tears streamed down my face to see how we all came together as one. I cried as I heard the testimony of one brave young woman. I cried in gratitude for the courage displayed by our religious leaders and for my own calling as a Sister of Mercy committed to justice, mercy and care for all our sisters and brothers. Most of all I cried because I realized that none of us walk alone, especially the migrant families we accompany in our community.