by Jenny Beatrice, Regional Director of Communications, Region of U.S.A/Toronto
Sister Claudia Palacio, formerly of the Province of Central America, has a special relationship with the sisters and the ministries there. In particular, she follows the work of the sisters in Honduras, who help the migrants on their journeys. From November 25 to December 4, Sr. Claudia accompanied the sisters serving the migrants on their three-day pilgrimage to the town of Danlí along the border with Nicaragua. There, in the lived expression of our Congregational position on migration, they provide humanitarian support for the migrants at a makeshift shelter next to the government immigration center. We spoke with Sr. Claudia about this experience in this brief interview.
Tell us about the work of the sisters in Honduras to support migrants.
The sisters in Honduras, along with their volunteers, provide humanitarian aid to migrants traveling through the region. They offer hot meals, clothing, and a supportive presence at key points along the migratory route. This effort includes visiting border areas like Danlí and engaging with migrants as they apply for travel passes. With the help of volunteers, they serve 250-300 migrants per day, three days a week. The sisters also coordinate with agencies such as Doctors Without Borders and Catholic organizations to expand their impact.
Tell us about your experience on the journey.
The journey was a profoundly moving and challenging experience. The sisters’ work is demanding and inspiring, offering a firsthand look at the physical and emotional toll migration takes on individuals and families. It was heartbreaking, particularly when seeing families with young children, including babies. Hearing their stories bears witness to the immense courage and resilience required to continue such a perilous journey.
The work involves many logistics including collecting meals from local cooks, transporting them to distribution points, and ensuring everyone was served fairly. To meet the demand for clothing, we also visited thrift shops to purchase items and sorted them late into the night to prepare for the next day.
After three days in Danlí, we traveled further to the Guatemalan border to observe conditions and network with other aid organizations. We crossed into Guatemala, where we encountered more migrants camped on streets in tents, waiting for resources or opportunities to continue their journey.
Migrants are exploited along the way. They are charged by “Coyotes” an exorbitant amount of money. Bus companies and food services profit from them, charging them double for their services. They are in a vulnerable situation, especially women and children.
What new awareness did the experience bring you?
The experience left me with a deeper appreciation for the work being done by the sisters and volunteers. The trip revealed the widespread nature of the migrant crisis, the pressing need for more comprehensive support systems, and the urgent need for broader awareness and action to address the humanitarian crisis. Migration is a human right. Everyone has the right to migrate in a safe and humane manner. We in the United States have been aware of this humanitarian crisis and have done advocacy to give voice to migrants who often find themselves voiceless and vulnerable.
