Understanding and Supporting Migrants
Migrants in this country face significant challenges every day. They experience separation from their homeland and families, often due to political persecution, while simultaneously adjusting to new customs, laws and ways of life. They must learn to navigate unfamiliar environments, take jobs different from their previous work, adapt to new cultures, try unfamiliar foods and learn a new language. Additionally, they face the need to adjust to a completely different climate than what they are used to. For example, they must quickly learn how to handle a Northern Michigan winter, realizing not only "We are in the United States now!" but also "We are in Northern Michigan now!"
The Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Gaylord understands these realities well because the directors have personally experienced them. As a Church, we must remember that, since Old Testament times, our ancestors were also migrants who walked through the desert. Jesus himself is deeply familiar with the human experience of migration. Since Jesus' example is the primary model for Christian life, the Diocese of Gaylord, through the work of the Hispanic Ministry, seeks to accompany those facing similar circumstances, supporting them in faith and love, but also through concrete actions: guiding, advising and assisting them on the long journey to establish themselves in this country.
Not Being Indifferent to the Reality of Migrants
All of us as the body of Christ, that is the Church, and as brothers and sisters to one another must not be indifferent to the suffering of migrants. Let us walk alongside them, helping them feel welcomed here, even as they are far from the countries they love but can no longer call home. There are many Hispanics in the Diocese of Gaylord, many migrants in general, and within them are many figures of Jesus walking among us. These migrants remind us of the words from the Gospel: "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me."
Resource for Migrants
Do you know of Spanish-speaking people in your area who we might be able to help? Please contact Father Wayne Dziekan, vicar for Hispanic Ministry, at 231-409-1387 or wdziekan@dioceseofgaylord.org.
