Holy Week at the KBI - Kino Border Initiative

At the Kino Border Initiative, Holy Week, the highlight of the Church year, is observed with various activities, both celebratory and humble.

In many ways, Holy Week at the KBI is like any other. Two meals are served every day; the shelter is in full operation; migrants can receive medical attention for injuries; and the advocacy work on behalf of individuals, families and all who are displaced and seeking reunion with friends and family continues uninterrupted. But a mindfulness of the import of these days is palpable. For Catholics, this is a somber, reflective time, culminating in a great celebration of rebirth and renewal. Easter and the Resurrection offer hopeful encouragement to the migrants who suffer considerably on their journeys, holding out for the love and light of safety, livelihood and family.

Here are some KBI moments from Holy Week this year, with thanks to Mr. Hung Nguyen, S.J. and Sister María Engracia Robles Robles, M.E. of the KBI who took most of these pictures.

Father Samuel Lozano de los Santos, S.J. KBI Director of Programs in Mexico, prays with those gathered outside the comedor on Palm Sunday.

Father Samuel celebrates Palm Sunday Mass at the comedor.

On Monday, 40 students from San José Parish pack the comedor for a presentation about how faith can guide good works at the border. KBI educational efforts continue, on both sides of the border, throughout the year.

On Holy Thursday, Sister Alicia Guevara Pérez, M.E., one of the KBI’s Migrant Aid Coordinators, washes the feet of a migrant visitor to the comedor.

The ritual washing of feet on Holy Thursday.

At the Holy Thursday meal, migrants share nourishing food and companionship. Two meals a day are offered at the comedor, 365 days a year.

Fr. Sean commemorates Good Friday with the Adoration of the Cross.

Long-time KBI volunteer Joel Caldera and a group of friends bring breakfast to the comedor and serve it every two weeks, this time on Holy Saturday.

Migrant painters create works they can sell to help support themselves during an uncertain time.

Painted wooden crosses become works of art and faith in the hands of these talented painters.

Children at the comedor on Holy Saturday.

On Easter Sunday, the crucifix on the comedor wall, strewn with rosaries, palm leaves and tokens, is a particularly apt reminder of both the suffering and promise of the journey.

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