At the U.S.–Mexico border this month, two events captured the vast continuum of emotions experienced there—people gathered together to celebrate a Mass in Ambos Nogales and dozens of Haitian refugees arrived to wait for paperwork to enter the U.S. We also extend our gratitude for a successful Tucson fundraiser and our congratulations to a KBI supporter recognized for his community service. Finally, we alert you to a moving photo exhibition about the borderlands on view in Tucson.
• A Mass at the Border: KBI staff, Kino Teens, and students from Lourdes Catholic School and Brophy College Preparatory joined in the celebration of a Mass along the U.S.–Mexico border in Ambos Nogales, the third in a series of three border liturgies organized by Dioceses without Borders, a collaborative effort of the Dioceses of Phoenix, Tucson, and Nogales, Sonora. The others were in Douglas, AZ and Agua Prieta, Sonora and Naco, AZ and Naco, Sonora. During this Year of Mercy, the Masses raise awareness of the plight of migrants and refugees, and the need to accompany them with mercy and compassion. As Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S., French Archbishop Christophe Pierre, who celebrated the Mass, said, “Anything that goes in the direction of understanding, helping each other, discovering the beauty of the other is what is necessary to convert hearts and transform the world.” Read more about the Ambos Nogales Mass here: https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2016/10/23/border-mass-popes-u-s-envoy-backs-immigration-reform/. To let President Obama and your Congressional leaders know you support immigration reform, send a letter here: http://cqrcengage.com/jesuit/app/onestep-write-a-letter?2&engagementId=255633&ep=AAAAC2Flc0NpcGhlcjAxscwhSZv_WYQ0v2JW753mJANzVjDXpA0LLnaxlo65aX9G5hSj9ilPNn4c1AudjM8NPRrOMR_9YRK2BqET770eWVr-dlUgyxXZCqEEXKMvS4E&lp=0.
• The KBI Greets Refugees from Haiti: The Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist who run the KBI comedor visited recently arrived Haitian refugees at the DeConcini Port of Entry to provide solace, solidarity and some lightness. Even during a time of stress and uncertainty as they wait their turn to enter the U.S., the Haitians joined in a light-hearted exchange with the Sisters. Take a look at the video here: https://www.facebook.com/Kino.Border.lnitiative/posts/1339290932777133.
• KBI October Fundraiser: The October fiesta fundraiser, hosted by KBI board member and photographer Larry Hanelin and his wife Rosemarie in their Tucson home, was a wonderful celebration of the KBI’s mission and commitment to our ongoing work. Father Sean addressed 32 guests who raised $9,200 for KBI aid, education, and advocacy programs. Many thanks to all who generously donated, and to Rosemarie and Larry, along with help from Mary Ellen Cook, who made this event possible!
• Brophy College Preparatory Awards: The KBI congratulates Tom McCabe, Class of ’66, who has been honored by his alma mater with the St. Ignatius Loyola Award for Distinguished Service. Tom is a valued supporter of the KBI, and has served his community through his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Mary’s Food Bank, and St. Timothy’s Parish in Mesa, AZ. Tom and his wife Patty participated in last year’s Phoenix Dinner auction and won a memorable southern Arizona weekend, including a night’s stay at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, a day at the KBI, and a gourmet dinner prepared by Father Sean and Father Pete Neeley at the Jesuit residence in Nogales, AZ. ¡Felicidades, Tom!
• Borderlands Photo Exhibit: On display at Tucson’s Historic Y main lobby through December 14, catch the fascinating photography exhibit, Lens on the Border: Creative Resistance from the Eyes of Four Borderlands Photographers. These powerful images from photographers Krista Schlyer, Raechel Running, Khaled Jarrar, and Bill Hatcher capture the border in illuminating and unexpected ways. Sponsored by the Sierra Club Grassroots Network, the Historic Y, and the Windsong Peace and Leadership Center. Exhibition info: Historic Y, 738 N. Fifth Avenue, Tucson. On view now through December 14, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm. Free. http://sierraclub.org/borderlands/photo-exhibit.
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