How Jesuits Are Responding to the Border Crisis: Solidarity and Accompaniment

Fr. Flavio Bravo, SJ, of Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries preaches at a migrant shelter in Mexico. Photo by Eric A. Clayton/Jesuit Conference

I am not a Jesuit. But by the nature of my work, I bump into quite a few. I get to meet these men at various stages of their years-long formation: some at the very beginning as novices, some while immersed in philosophical or theological studies, some while doing hands-on ministry work as regents, and others still after years of serving as priests or brothers. Some Jesuits I meet at the very end of their lives, and even then, they continue to grow in their relationship with and understanding of God, neighbor and creation.

Jesuits — like each of us — are called to constant, growing awareness of God at work in our lives and in our world. We are always being formed.

Regardless of when or where I encounter these Jesuits — from the halls of academia to the backroads of Belize, from global gatherings of young people in Europe to migrant shelters just across the U.S. border — there is a word that necessarily captures the heart of the Jesuit vocation: accompaniment.

St. Ignatius of Loyola concerned himself with walking alongside others on their way to God. Ignatius wanted to help folks recognize the Spirit already at work in their lives and that the same Spirit was very much concerned with each person’s realization of their fullest potential. Individual choices and institutionalized systems can hinder that potential. But St. Ignatius believed that through discernment and a desire to love and serve in all things, we might help one another grow into the people God dreams we will be.

We walk together on a shared pilgrimage. We learn from one another. We encounter Christ already at work in each of our stories.

Joe Nolla, SJ, offers a blessing at a migrant shelter. Photo by Eric Clayton/Jesuit Conference
Fr. Brian Strassburger, SJ, celebrates Mass at a migrant shelter. Photo by Eric Clayton/Jesuit Conference

In the videos below, we learn how a couple of newly ordained Jesuits started a ministry of accompaniment on the U.S.-Mexico border, and how that ministry has grown in the years since. But ultimately, we glimpse again the heart of the Jesuit vocation.

Read more about my pilgrimage to Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries here. And keep up with the Jesuits ministry on the border by subscribing to their podcast.

Eric Clayton is the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. In his role, he manages the award-winning weekly column “Now Discern This,” a series on Ignatian spirituality and everyday living, as well produces video, audio and other digital content to share the riches of Ignatian spirituality with a general audience. Eric is also the author of two books on Ignatian spirituality: “My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars” and  “Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith”, both from Loyola Press. A third book on Ignatian spirituality and peace is forthcoming from Brazos Press in 2025. Learn more: ericclaytonwrites.com.

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