by Deacon Larry Gayton
THANK YOU! On Saturday, October 25, the Saginaw Diocese lead by the Office of Multicultural Ministry held a Solemn March and Misa Hispana, the Mass in Spanish, in conjunction with the recent World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Approximately two hundred faithful participants, men, women and children; young and old, marched in solidarity. We were a visible sign to Saginaw, to the Diocese and to our country that we stand with the migrants and refugees, the poor and the vulnerable.
Everyone was peaceful, prayerful and respectful. Some people opted to pray the Rosary, lead by the Damas de Guadalupe, as the March was proceeding. It truly was a moving experience that touched the hearts of many.
The Solemn March proceeded from near the Dow Event Center down Washington Avenue to St. Joseph Parish of Saginaw. The scenes were truly amazing. Upon arriving at St. Joseph Parish, the people entered the Church. We all joined Father Frank Voris, Father Stephen Blaxton and Deacon Bob Sasiela to celebrate Mass. The Rondalla of St. Joseph lead by Matt Fulgencio, provided the Mass music. This was another time of people being moved to tears. After the Mass, all were invited to a reception with great food provided by Maria’s Restaurant and live Mariachi music presented by Ballet Folklorico Estudiantil y Mariachi of Flint.
There are so many people to thank for all their efforts and participation. Lastly, I want to give a shout out to the Diocesan staff and to the faithful, from St. Joseph Parish and throughout the diocese, who helped put on this grace-filled event, and to the kind Nouvel bus driver who shuttled so many people, and made so many trips to get everyone to the starting point of the March. God is good.