From March 24 to 27, 2025, I had the privilege of representing the Archdiocese of Montreal alongside Bishop Emeritus Noël Simard of Valleyfield, at an important regional meeting in El Paso, Texas, on the pastoral care of migration on the three borders of Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Organized jointly by the bishops' conferences of the three countries, this meeting was part of a renewed desire to unite pastoral efforts around the migration phenomenon, in the light of the pastoral letter He saw him, drew near to him and cared for him. This text, the fruit of a joint reflection by the bishops of Canada, the United States and Mexico, guided our discussions and prayer throughout the meeting.

Canada at the table

The Canadian participation, represented by Bishop Simard of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), was marked by attentive listening and a firm commitment to strengthening inter-episcopal collaboration. Canada, while geographically distant from some of the more immediate realities experienced at our southern borders, plays an important role in welcoming asylum seekers, resettling refugees, and promoting a culture of encounter and integration.

As a representative of the Archdiocese of Montreal, I was able to share the pastoral initiatives implemented locally to accompany migrants and refugees. Increasingly intercultural Christian communities remind us that evangelical hospitality is not an option, but an ecclesial vocation.

A life-changing experience in the heart of the desert

One of the most moving moments of the meeting was the walk through the desert of El Paso, in the footsteps of thousands of migrants who, every day, cross this arid expanse in the hope of a better future. This symbolic pilgrimage, punctuated by the celebration of the Eucharist at the border, deeply marked our hearts and our commitment. The Mass of the Annunciation, celebrated in memory of the migrants who died along the way, was a powerful moment of communion and prayer.

A Church that walks with and for migrants

The meeting brought together committed bishops, national leaders in the pastoral care of migrants, and religious and lay people involved in the field. Among them, Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S., representative of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, accompanied us with a profound reflection on the Church's prophetic pastoral accompaniment of migrants and refugees. His presence reaffirmed the fundamental role of the Church in the defense of human dignity, beyond all borders.

By sharing our challenges and pastoral responses, we were called to dream together of a Church without borders, which accompanies each person on their journey into exile, with compassion and hope. From south to north, east to west, one and the same Church is mobilizing.

A call to continue dialogue and action

This experience was a source of inspiration, but also a call to action. In our respective dioceses, we are invited to deepen our commitment to migrants, to build bridges between communities, and to spread a culture of welcome rooted in the Gospel.

Like the Good Samaritan, the Church is called to see, reach out and care. It is in this spirit that we will continue to walk together, with and for migrants.

Alessandra Santopadre
Assistant Director, Office for Cultural and Ritual Communities
Responsible for the Sponsorship Programme for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Archdiocese of Montreal