Transformed by the Holy Spirit - When the Migrant Ministry team began nearly three years ago and we prepared to resettle our first migrant family, little did we know how much the effort would transform us. Jorge Borrayo’s funeral held at Saint Edmund Church on August 5 revealed to us how broad and profound that transformation has been. The 25-year old Guatemalan migrant who volunteered with us at Centro San Edmundo was killed in a car accident. He had received his work permit a few days before and was excited about moving forward to build a life in America.

The bilingual, intercultural, interdenominational service brought together volunteers, migrants, immigrants, various faith centers, and a rural community in Guatemala with a suburb of Chicago. Jorge was raised Catholic, but his best friend, Hector was Evangelical. In Chicago, they found a spiritual home at Grace Episcopal in the Loop, near the shelter where they were placed on arrival. Hector also attended a Seventh Day Adventist church. The different denominations were present and played a role in the service, with Reverend Amity Carrubba reading the Gospel and sharing a short homily in English. Father Vittorio Bruscella, CMF gave a homily in Spanish.

An image of the patroness of Escuintla, Guatemala, La Inmaculada Concepción, was placed near the altar to connect Saint Edmund with the cultural and spiritual traditions of Jorge’s hometown. Bilingual hymns united the voices of the nearly-packed church. The service was videotaped and will be uploaded on YouTube to share with Jorge’s family.

Clearly, the transformation that we have experienced in the Migrant Ministry is not the result of our human efforts. It is the Holy Spirit dwelling among us that has brought such diverse communities together in praise, worship, and service.

Pivoting has been our hallmark in the Migrant Ministry. Services in the Saint Edmund school building will end on October 9 and will move to another space. The last day for donations will be Monday, September 15.

Our work would not be possible without the volunteers and your generous donations.

Please continue to pray for our beloved migrant brothers and sisters.