Bishops plan special gathering for 250th Anniversary of USA

Source: Hope Border Institute

US Catholic bishops from the dioceses of Tucson, Phoenix, Santa Fe, El Paso, among others, will be holding Border Mass 250, a binational gathering of faith, solidarity, and recognition of the contributions of immigrants in the context of the 250th anniversary of the United States at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 272 N Rodriguez St, Nogalez, Arizona, on Friday, 26 June.

Border Mass 250 will focus on the ministry of presence by which people of all demographics and perspectives, from both sides of the border, and immersed in this complex migration reality, will come together to recognize one another's human dignity as members of the Mystical Body of Christ.

It will also be a day to reflect on the inestimable contributions to the United States by migrants over the past 250 years, many of whom have made the US their home, often fleeing persecution and hardship in Mexico, Latin America, and other parts of the world.

The US bishops from the border region will offer pastoral reflections upon what the Church holds to be true about the reality of migration.

As pastors and ministers of the Gospel, Border Mass 250 will offer pastoral accompaniment to migrants, to the people of God living in Nogales, AZ and Nogales, Sonora, MX, to those entrusted with managing the border, and to leaders from our international communities through a shared moment of Christian presence and prayer.

The day will begin at 4pm with a Pastoral conversation with the bishops. There will be Mass at 5pm. At 6.15pm there will be and Rosary and Procession into Nogales, Mexico.

LINKS

Diocese of El Paso: www.elpasodiocese.org/

Hope Border Institute: www.hopeborder.org/