On Monday evening, the Diocese of El Paso, Texas, came together for a moving march and vigil, showing their unwavering solidarity with migrants and refugees in the area.
Bishop Mark Seitz took a strong stance against the aggressive immigration policies of the Trump administration, calling the enforcement measures a “war on the poor.”
His words echoed deeply within the crowd as they gathered in the city center to send a message of hope and compassion for those displaced by violence and hardship.
Bishop Seitz spoke passionately at the vigil, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to unite as a community in such a powerful way.
“How wonderful it is to have moments when we can celebrate and recommit to who we are, and to do so in the presence of God,” he shared with the crowd, highlighting the significance of coming together as a borderland community in faith.
Honoring a Legacy of Sacrifice
The vigil took place on the 45th anniversary of the assassination of St. Oscar Romero, the El Salvadoran bishop who was killed in 1980 while offering mass in a hospital chapel.
Romero, who stood up for the poor and oppressed during a brutal civil war in El Salvador, has become a symbol of sacrifice and courage.
In his remarks, Bishop Seitz paid tribute to Romero’s legacy, calling on the community to seek his protection during this difficult time.
“We place ourselves and our community under [Romero’s] protection this night,” Seitz said, drawing a connection between the saint’s martyrdom and the ongoing struggles faced by many in El Paso and beyond.
St. Romero’s words before his death, “If they kill me, I will rise again in the people of El Salvador,” were also shared by Seitz, underscoring the deep commitment to justice and peace that continues to inspire faith communities today.
A Gathering of Faith Leaders Across Borders
The march and vigil saw the participation of numerous bishops and clergy members from across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, reflecting the strong cross-border solidarity for migrant rights.
Among those present were Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Bishop Emeritus Noel Simard of Valleyfield, Quebec, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio, and Cardinal Fabio Baggio, undersecretary for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Faith leaders from various traditions also joined the event, marking the unity of different religious communities in advocating for human dignity and compassion.
As the vigil came to a close, the voices of those gathered resonated with a shared commitment to protecting the rights of migrants and refugees, and standing up against policies that perpetuate injustice and suffering.
Through the powerful words of Bishop Seitz and the presence of so many supportive leaders, the vigil served as a reminder that the fight for migrants’ rights is far from over, and the faith community will continue to advocate for change.