Every year, massive numbers of migrants attempt the passage into the United States. And every year, many don’t survive the journey. Whether those who attempt to cross make it here and find a way to stay, get caught and deported back across the border, or perish along the way, they are largely a shadowy, nameless, and faceless group in American society. They are nearly invisible, but when they are seen, they’re often viewed with distrust.
In St. Francis’ time, the lepers in the valley below Assisi were seen in much the same way. Today, migrants and other marginalized groups are the lepers in our society. And just as St. Francis realized in one of the most important moments in his life, we are called not only to see them, but also to embrace them, to love them as Christ does.
—Daniel Imwalle, “Franciscans at the Border”
St. Anthony Messenger, June/July 2022 issue