Maria Coss of the Diocese of Saginaw had a rare and profound opportunity this past weekend to represent our local Church at the Encuentro Binational -- a historic gathering uniting bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Saturday, October 11, Maria traveled to San Luis, Arizona, as a delegate from the Diocese of Saginaw, joining Veronica Camarena and Rev. Bill Kirsh-Carr from the organization Strangers No Longer. Together, they joined hundreds of participants for a symbolic march and Mass focused on solidarity with migrants and refugees.
“Our group gathered in San Luis, Arizona, and marched in a procession through the town of Yuma across the border to San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico,” Maria shared. “This journey to the border was a profound experience, far removed from the hate and riots often depicted in the news. Instead, it was a gathering of individuals from diverse backgrounds united in their advocacy for human rights and dignity.”
The Encuentro Binational, themed “Migrants, Pilgrims of Hope in Christ,” took place in observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Eight Catholic bishops from the United States and Mexico led the procession and bilingual Mass, culminating in the signing of a joint declaration affirming that “in the Church, no one is a stranger.” The statement emphasized that the hope we receive through Christ “transcends every border, every barrier, and every source of division.”
As part of the symbolic ceremony in Yuma, participants carried items representing the struggles and hopes of migrants. One symbol stood out deeply to Maria.
“One symbol that resonated with me was a teddy bear carried by a woman named Sarah from the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.,” she said. “The teddy bear represents children separated from their parents due to immigration enforcement. This symbol struck a chord, as I considered how I would feel if I were in a similar situation with my own young son.”
Throughout the march, participants prayed, sang, and reflected at three symbolic stations:
- Missionaries and prophets on the road, represented by water, symbolizing faith and testimony.
- A reality that challenges us, symbolized by the cross, representing love.
- A backpack, symbolizing hope.
“We honored the memories of all those who have died on the way, due to detention or family separation,” Maria said. “As we observe this Jubilee Year of Hope, I am committed to continuing to be a voice for the voiceless and to raising awareness for all humanity.”
Bishop Robert Gruss expressed gratitude for Maria’s participation and representation of the Diocese of Saginaw at this international gathering. “This kind of witness is deeply important,” Bishop Gruss said. “It reflects our mission to be of one heart and mind in Christ Jesus and to walk with those who are most vulnerable.”
Join a Local March and Mass for Migrants and Refugees – October 25
Faithful across the Diocese of Saginaw are invited to take part in a solemn local March for Migrants and Refugees and Misa Hispana (Hispanic Mass) on Saturday, October 25, from 3 to 5 p.m.
March begins: 3 p.m. at Great Lakes Bay Health Center parking lot (501 Lapeer Ave., Saginaw)
Conclusion and Mass: St. Joseph Church (910 N 6th Ave., Saginaw)
Misa Hispana: 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, celebrated by Bishop Robert Gruss
“We will march as an expression of faith in Jesus, who stands with the vulnerable, the poor and immigrants,” said Bishop Gruss. “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.”
Following Mass, the celebration will continue with music from the Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil Mariachis and a community reception. All are welcome to join in this prayerful and hope-filled event.