Over the past few weeks, our organization—Pax Christi of Holy Cross—has worked with the Chaplains’ Office and other student groups to help organize the upcoming Interfaith Witness for Migrants and Refugees, which is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Friday, November 7. Throughout this process, we have found ourselves returning to the words of Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso time and time again. Bishop Seitz writes that “Scripture commands that we welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, and clothe the naked. We cannot remain silent while members of our communities suffer. Now more than ever, we are called to be a voice of hope, mercy, and solidarity.”
This declaration is central to the purpose of a Holy Cross education, particularly when one considers the social, political, and moral challenges that the United States faces today. The Holy Cross mission statement calls for us to “seek justice within and beyond” our college community, and also to “seek that which may constitute our common humanity.” At Holy Cross, we are compelled by both our conscience and the Jesuit tradition to uplift the inherent dignity of migrants and refugees, in addition supporting policies and movements that uphold our shared humanity. We must speak up during this urgent time, in which immigrant families across the United States are being so severely attacked and vilified.
To this end, we encourage our fellow students to attend the Interfaith Witness for Migrants and Refugees on Friday, November 7. The Interfaith Witness for Migrants and Refugees is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those suffering from the escalation of immigration enforcement across the United States. Family separations, increased detentions, and rapid deportations have shattered families and left entire communities living in fear. As a community rooted in solidarity, mutuality, and faith, we are compelled to speak out on behalf of migrants, immigrants, and refugees.
The Interfaith Witness will begin on Friday, November 7 at 1:30 PM with a gathering and short prayer in St. Joseph Memorial Plaza, followed by a 2:00 PM march from campus to City Hall and a 3:00 PM circle of silence in downtown Worcester with readings and prayers. Transportation to City Hall will be provided at 2:30 PM for those unable to join the walk, and transportation back to campus will be provided at 4:00 PM. All members of the Holy Cross community are invited to join us, including individuals of all faith backgrounds or none at all.
We hope that you will join us next week and help to amplify our voices in support of the migrants, immigrants, and refugees in our Worcester community and beyond. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Shelagh Dixon ‘27, Ben Franzone ‘26, Evan Garcia ‘26, Robert Gardner ‘26, Andrew Houllahan ‘26, Irene Mandile ‘27, Lauren Mlicko ‘26
Members of the Pax Christi Executive Board
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross’ chapter of Pax Christi
Leave a Reply