This is What Jesus Would Do

I have been critical of the conduct of some of the folks who are protesting the arrival of immigrant children on our southern boarder. It seems to be the conduct that makes the evening news. There are other folks down in that area doing good work. Work that should be recognized. So today, here, it will be.

A group of volunteers at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen, Texas are providing relief to immigrant families crossing the boarder which is five miles away from them. The program originated when locals noticed the Boarder Patrol dropping immigrant families off at the McAllen bus station in the downtown area. These are undocumented immigrant families who are apprehended at the boarder, processed by the Boarder Patrol, processed and given a bus ticket to reunite with a family member before returning for a court hearing to determine their status. Local folks began offering immigrants at the bus station food and water. They were arriving there hungry and dehydrated with basically the clothes on their backs. The bus station staff complained that they couldn't house a relief effort on their grounds so Sister Norma Pimentel the Executive Director or Catholic Charities for the Rio Grand Valley got involved. She asked the priest at Sacred Heart Church down the street if she could use their facilities to help. They group created a relief center in the parish hall. The first night they assisted 200 people. What Sister Pimentel said is revealing. "They are our brothers and sisters that are in need. They come to our country, and they find themselves in a terrible state. They need to take a shower and they need time to eat. The children are very dehydrated. You cannot help but help them. They need care, and they need love."

The operation has grown due to media coverage of the crisis. The county has pitched in to help with tents so temporary shelter can be offered. Donations of supplies have been received from outside groups. Other religious groups are sending volunteers to help. The work is simple hospitality. The families served are offered a hot meal, a sponsor searches through piles of clothes and shoes to find things that will fit them. More than 3,500 have been helped in the past month. So there are folks down in Texas doing what Jesus would have done. Feeding the hungry, clothing those who have a need, showing love and compassion for their fellow man. It is the story that should be told, not the one of flag waving idiots who curse at and spit on immigrant children. All I can say to Sister Pimentel and her volunteers is well done. Very well done.