Walking in Mercy Youth Summit
In response to Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year of Mercy, the KBI and the Kino Teens brought together students from four southern Arizona high schools for a Walking in Mercy Youth Summit. On that Saturday afternoon in early February, Bishop Gerald Kicanas greeted the 25 participants and introduced the summit’s focus—journeying with migrants—followed by opening prayers led by the students.
For the rest of the afternoon, the students (all of whom have visited the KBI in the past) engaged in theater improvisations, a quilting project, and various workshops and discussions about the migrant experience, advocacy, and community involvement. The goal? A better understanding of what migrants face and the critical need for more humane immigration policies, and identifying ways to share that knowledge and compassion by becoming agents of change in their schools, neighborhoods and churches.
To close the summit, Father Pete Neeley celebrated Mass with the participants and facilitators. The colorful quilt of migrant stories and responses adorned the altar, the music ministers led everyone in song, and new summit friendships and commitments lifted spirits and promised encouragement and support in the work ahead.
Muchísimas gracias a todos: Participating schools included Kino Teens from Lourdes Catholic School in Nogales, St. Augustine Catholic High School, and Salpointe Catholic High School, and El Otro Lado students from San Miguel High School in Tucson. Thanks to Bishop Gerald Kicanas, Father Pete Neeley, and workshop facilitators Kenenna Amuzie, Perry Petrich, Tere Scully and Joanna Williams; Cathy Meyer and St. Augustine’s for hosting; and Kate McGarey-Vasey, Marci Harrington, and the students of Salpointe for providing lunch and organizing the quilting project.
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