This browser does not support the Video element.
The bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dallas spent last weekend visiting families detained at the border in El Paso.
Bishop Edward Burns’ trip also included an immigration march and prayer service. The trip was hosted by the Diocese of El Paso to bring together Catholic leaders from other areas and came just days before the July 26 deadline to reunite thousands of children with their families.
Burns said he and others visited a shelter in El Paso where families were trying to be reunited. But with 800 detainees and 100 families passing through each day, he said it was hard for volunteers to keep up.
Burns says his mission in El Paso was to give hope to the families detained there.
“The fact that these good people are here means that we are called to give food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, and to welcome the stranger,” Burns said.
Burns saw families from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and more reunited. He said one reunification of a father and daughter was especially memorable.
“They were reunited, and I can tell you their being reunited for her was the best birthday gift. It was a joy to see that,” Burns said.
But with happiness, Burns said they also saw pain.
“That there were some children who wouldn't look at their parents, and the reason why was they thought their parents abandoned them,” Burns said.
The pain became evident during a prayer service.
“They cried, then the tears were also longing to be with their families, longing to be with their loved ones, longing to be free,” Burns said.
Burns said the need for compassion and understanding was clear.
“Every country has a right to protect its borders, every person has the right to a better life... this is not right.”
Burns said the diocese is working with their counterparts in El Paso to learn how they can better assist families detained at the border and hope to help those who travel through Dallas to be reunited with family.