Logo and motto of the RJM CANA 2024 Assembly.
From September 30 to October 4, we held our annual Assembly of the Jesuit Migration Network of Central and North America (RJM CANA) in the border cities of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, United States. These cities have historically witnessed the transformations in the region's migratory dynamics. On one hand, they have been the stage for migration control and containment policies, and on the other, they have witnessed acts of solidarity and hospitality in defense of the dignity of migrants and refugees.
A total of 86 people participated in the Assembly, representing 32 organizations that are part of RJM CANA. Among the participants were representatives from specialized works (SJM and JRS, shelters, border ministries), parishes, Jesuit universities and legal clinics, social centers, and radio stations. Additionally, we were joined by 2 organizations from RJM Caribbean, representatives from the Conference of Jesuit Provincials of Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL), members of the Coordinating Team of the continental dimension of RJM, and Jesuit organizations for international cooperation (ALBOAN and CJI).
Participants in the RJM CANA 2024 Assembly at the Retreat House of the Diocese of Ciudad Juárez
The Assembly drew inspiration from the theme of the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2024, God walks with His people. This day took place on Sunday, September 29, coinciding with the arrival of the participants. On Sunday, September 29, some participants were able to attend the Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Mark Seitz at the Jesuit parish of Sacred Heart in El Paso, as well as the Eucharist celebrated at the chapel of the Retreat House of the Diocese of Juárez, presided over by Father Rafael Garrido, SJ. The message of this day reminds us that "God not only walks with His people but also within His people, in the sense that He identifies with men and women on their journey through history, especially with the least, the poor, and the marginalized" (Pope Francis).
Eucharist at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in El Paso celebrated by Bishop Mark Seitz
The RJM CANA Assembly took place on Monday, September 30, Tuesday, October 1, and Wednesday, October 2 at the Retreat House of the Diocese of Ciudad Juárez, with the following main objectives: (1) to offer a shared analysis of the regional migration context, (2) to share what we have accomplished over the past year within RJM CANA, (3) to discuss how to strengthen the identity, work strategies, and positioning of RJM CANA, (4) to plan networked work both dimensionally and interdimensionally, and (5) to establish agreements for RJM CANA’s work in 2025.
Spaces for meeting and work during the RJM CANA 2024 Assembly.
To conclude the Assembly, a Statement was approved in which we denounce the deepening militarization, containment, and externalization of borders; policies that prioritize security over addressing the root causes of migration, the opening of regularization pathways to which not all people qualify, the limitations on the right to seek asylum, and the violation of the principle of non-refoulement. All of this exposes migrants to greater risks and lack of protection on their migratory journey. The statement also highlights the strength and importance of the work we do from civil society in supporting migrants and refugees, working in networks and in an integrated manner to offer comprehensive services; as well as recognizing the strength, solidarity, audacity, and resilience that migrants teach us every day in the encounters we have with them.
Additionally, we urge the states of the region to implement the expanded definition of the Cartagena Declaration for the protection and integration of people in need of asylum and refuge, and for the members of the Network to remain attentive to the implications and impacts of the political changes occurring in the region on migratory dynamics. As a Network, we commit to continue working in defense of the rights of migrants and advocating for informed, accompanied, and protected mobility.
During the closing Eucharist, celebrated by Brian Strassburger SJ, a sending act took place, with the blessing of the handkerchiefs for all participants to continue working from hope along paths of hospitality in our region. On Thursday, October 3, we joined the global action of the campaign Hope is the Path - Paths of Hospitality, by visiting the accompaniment efforts in the border cities of Ciudad Juárez and El Paso. One group of participants walked the border via the Santa Fe Bridge to reaffirm our commitment to continue walking with migrants and refugees, while another group toured Ciudad Juárez to reach out to people waiting in this border city.
Blessing of handkerchiefs as a symbol of sending the participants and visit to the border wall as part of the global action
"Paths of Hospitality 2024: Hope is the Path"
As part of the RJM CANA Assembly, a binational academic event was also held on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 2, at the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ). This event featured two panels: the first focused on deepening the local reality of the Ciudad Juárez – El Paso border area, and the second aimed to connect us with a broader view of work in the region, based on efforts from educational and social institutions.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude for the work behind organizing this Assembly. We thank the RJM CANA Coordinating Team, as well as the local teams of JRS Ciudad Juárez, JRS El Paso, and the Sacred Heart Parish in El Paso. This event would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of those behind every detail, as well as the enthusiasm and joy of each participant.
October 7, 2024
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