A ministry of presence: Friars accompany migrants to court

Throughout history, Franciscan friars have walked with the poor and marginalized, and been present to vulnerable people in need of prayer and compassion. This extends to accompanying our migrant brothers and sisters to immigration court appointments.  

Providing a comforting presence  

As a chaplain for the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, Br. Larry Gosselin, OFM, was asked to stand with and support a man facing deportation back to his home country, where he would be placed on a death list and executed.  

“This was someone who had done everything right. He had followed all of the legal procedures put before him,” explained Br. Larry, a friar of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “I feel very strongly about immigration issues and injustice. That was my foundational motivation for becoming involved. This seemed like the opportunity to stand for something and someone.”  

As he made the drive to the court hearing, nearly an hour away from Santa Barbara, he passed acres of fields where he saw migrants diligently at work. “I thought to myself, ‘They’re doing this to support their families and their support for their employer speaks to their work ethic.’ I was overcome by their courage, their persistence and faith. This really brought home to me in a new way how strong their faith is.”  

Upon arriving, Br. Larry was not permitted to accompany the man into the hearing but stood outside with his family and others awaiting their turn in court. “I prayed with them, for their wellbeing, for justice and peace,” he said. “I went to each person standing outside. Many were very frightened. My presence was comforting for them, and it was consoling for me to have them feel that the Church was there for them in their struggle. I feel that they were greatly strengthened just by me standing there in my Franciscan habit.” 

The man in question received a positive ruling and was granted permission to remain in the United States. Br. Larry was struck by his courage throughout the process. “He just so deeply trusted in the providential care and protection of God and that was utterly inspiring,” the friar said.  

Br. Larry is willing to accompany others, if needed. “It’s who we are as Franciscans to help those who are suffering injustice in their lives,” he noted. “It’s our charism and call today to take up this banner once again and promote human dignity.”  

A ministry of accompaniment 

“Historically, as friars, we have always accompanied people,” said Br. Garrett Galvin, OFM, president of the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego and a friar of St. Barbara Province. “When we help out those in need, we are helping Christ.”  

Firm in this belief, Br. Garrett has become involved with Faithful Accompaniment in Trust & Hope (FAITH), a joint initiative of the Diocese of San Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and the San Diego Organizing Project. The new interfaith ministry is focused on having people of faith accompany migrants and asylum-seekers to their immigration hearings. 

After completing training, Br. Garrett began accompanying people to immigration court in August. He typically goes once weekly during the morning shift. Many times there is one clergy member present, along with five or six lay volunteers.  

“An important part of the dynamic is that this is not a protest,” Br. Garrett emphasized. “We are accompanying our brothers and sisters to court in the spirit of Matthew 25. Many people are Catholic, and the Church needs to accompany its flock in good times and bad times. 

“This is a ministry of accompaniment,” he added. “If people want us to be in court with them, they can request it. Our role is to walk with people and build relationships. Many aren’t aware of the social infrastructure or the resources available. If they need a lawyer or housing, we can help them find that. We’re here to be present for people and meet their needs and hope that our presence puts a little more pressure on everyone to ensure good administrative processes.” 

He feels his Franciscan habit contributes to facilitating relationships and putting people at ease. “Many people have said, ‘thank you for being here,’” he said.  

As he engages in this ministry, Br. Garrett said his thoughts turn to St. Francis. “Francis didn’t try to convert the lepers, he walked with them,” he explained. “Our call is to walk with the lepers of today – anyone who is marginalized or mistreated.”  

For those interested in becoming involved in this ministry, Br. Garrett has the following advice. “You must go into it knowing that it can be emotionally overwhelming. You really do see some disturbing things – arrests and families being separated. But you have to be willing to stretch and grow if needed.” 

A ministry of accompaniment 

The Franciscan tradition was founded in the spirit of itinerancy. The friars naturally hold people “on the move,” like migrants, close to their hearts. They also recognize that both the Old Testament and the Gospel are clear that Catholics must prioritize “welcoming the strangers” (those who are not yet part of the community and thus more marginalized). 

Here are some ways that you can accompany migrants: