Every Other Thursday

Every other Thursday, a Prayer Witness event outside the doors of the immigration court in Hyattsville, Maryland, centers on solidarity with immigrant communities, acknowledging their struggles and inherent dignity, regardless of legal status. Last Thursday's gathering opened with prayers and singing "Amazing Grace," emphasizing a collective commitment to welcome and support immigrants. It included readings from a pastoral letter by U.S. and Mexican bishops, highlighting the importance of solidarity and the transformative journey of migrants from despair to hope.

Sr. Marie Chiodo, DW, and Sr. Anne Marie Gardiner, SSND, are committed participants in these events, and Sr. Marie shares, "As immigrants and their families enter the court door, we greet them and tell them in Spanish and English that we are standing outside the door praying for them as they have their cases heard."

The presence and intention of the gatherers have caught on and as the following grows, Sr. Marie said, "Over the past weeks, St. Camillus parishioners and Padre Juan have been joined by pastors, deacons, and members of different religious faith groups: the Episcopal Church of Washington, the Washington National Cathedral, the Mennonites, and a justice promoter from the Sisters of Good Shepherd."

Participants engage in silent reflection and foster a spirit of solidarity, followed by personal testimonies and a prayer of petition for the safety, justice, and security of migrants. Recently, Julien, an asylum seeker from Cameroon, told his story: "A couple of years ago, I left my country and began a journey that changed me forever. I did not leave because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I crossed through many beautiful countries and the Darién Gap, one of the most dangerous places on earth, carrying only my faith, a courage I had yet to discover, and a fragile hope that sometimes disappeared in the darkness of the forest. ... When I finally arrived in the United States, I thought the hardest part was behind me. But migration does not end at the border. It continues in the quiet loneliness of being far from home. ... In this new land, I lost much, but I also found grace. At Holy Trinity Church, I met people who welcomed me with kindness and dignity. Friends, wife, and "Marias" (my American moms) reminded me that I was not alone, that my story mattered, and that God had not abandoned me. These encounters of love and mercy became signs of hope in my life. Migration is not a curse; it is a calling. It is a chance for humanity to practice mercy, solidarity, and justice."

The gatherings, open to all, stress the call to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God, encouraging attendees to advocate for justice and support their immigrant brothers and sisters. It concludes with a closing prayer that sends participants out to act courageously and love without borders. This past assemblage was encapsulated in the closing song, "We Shall Overcome."