WHAT: Solemn March for Migrants and Refugees followed by Hispanic Mass (Misa Hispana)
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25
WHERE: Great Lakes Bay Health Center, Saginaw and St. Joseph Church, Saginaw
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, faithful will gather for a solemn March for migrants and refugees. The march will begin at Great Lakes Bay Health Center parking lot at 501 Lapeer Ave., Saginaw and conclude at St. Joseph Church, 910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw.
After the March, a Misa Hispana (Hispanic Mass) will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church at 4 p.m. The Misa Hispana Mass celebrates the rich traditions of the Hispanic Catholic community particularly through music and language in the bilingual liturgy.
“We will march as an expression of faith in Jesus, who stands with the vulnerable, the poor and immigrants,” said Bishop Robert Gruss, Bishop of Saginaw. “Migrants and refugees often find themselves alone, separated from family and lacking basic needs. Jesus calls us to welcome the stranger, clothe the naked and feed the hungry. As a local Church, we must be of ‘one heart and mind’ and uphold the dignity of all people.”
“A public gathering like this can motivate all of us to put our faith into action,” said Deacon Larry Gayton, who serves in the Office of Multicultural Ministry at the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. “We want to let migrants and refugees in our community know that we care about them and that their voices are heard.”
Deacon Larry Gayton’s family migrated from Killeen, Texas to Berrien Springs, Mich. in 1968 and worked on farms. “We didn’t have much when we moved to Michigan. One of our vehicles broke down on the drive to Michigan and our family of seven had to pile into a crowded car. We worked on farms picking fruits and vegetables and lived in migrant camps. Generous members of the Catholic community helped me with my education and eventually I was able to attend law school. I want to serve migrants and refugees just as I was helped by so many generous people.”
All are invited to join in the prayerful and solemn march. Afterwards, Bishop Robert Gruss will celebrate the Hispanic Mass (Misa Hispana) at St. Joseph Church.
“The Misa Hispana is a joyous and diverse celebration,” said Deacon Larry Gayton. “Daughters who have recently celebrated their quinceañera have been invited to attend wearing their quinceañera dresses. The Knights of Columbus will also be joining us for Mass and the Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil Mariachis will perform music at a reception after Mass.”