Franciscans Become Sanctuary For All
Conventual Franciscans from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Friary in El Paso, TX attended the Voice of the Voiceless 2017 Dinner hosted by The Annunciation House. This organization has been helping migrants who flee their country due to poverty, crime, and a need for a better life, by providing them with a shelter. The organization strives to remind us that as a community we must resist hatred and stand up to be the voice of the voiceless. This year’s theme was “Resist. Be Sanctuary” connected to the poem “Hangmen” by Maurice Ogden. Mayor Javier Gonzalez from Santa Fe, NM received the Voice of the Voiceless Award in representation of the entire city. The city has been a sanctuary city for the past 40 years and embraces migrants, Mayor Gonzalez shared that most of the migrants from Santa Fe have become entrepreneurs and are beneficial for their community. Santa Fe is currently at risk of losing government funding if they continue to be a sanctuary city, however Mayor Gonzalez has made it clear that the city of Santa Fe will resist and be sanctuary for all.
Franciscans share the belief that all life matters, from conception to death. That all human beings, should be treated with dignity and worth. Just as St. Francis did with the lepers who were casted out of the city and shamed for their condition.
