The Borderland Catholic dioceses are calling for a pilgrimage up Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico on Sunday.
Bishop Peter Baldacchino of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces and Bishop Mark Seitz of the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso called on the borderland Catholic community to pray for the world and for religious freedom as part of the pilgrimage on Sunday, June 28.
The pilgrimage also is occurring as the federal government’s intent to confiscate church-owned land at the base of the mountain for the construction of a border wall. But the religious journey up the mountain is not political, Bishop Baldacchino said in a statement.
“This pilgrimage is not against the government, against a policy or anything else,” said Bishop Baldacchino. “It is for the Church; it is for unity and it is for religious freedom.”
For over eight decades both faithful Catholics and hikers have made the trek up the mountain that sits on the U.S. border with Mexico to the 29-foot-tall statue of Jesus. Plans to build a section of the border wall have concerned both the church and weekend hikers.
“Faith communities have long served the border region through ministry, charity and accompaniment,” said Deacon Jim Winder. “We remain committed to promoting justice, compassion, and the common good while protecting the sanctity of Mount Cristo Rey for future generations.”
Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Borderland Catholic dioceses plan prayer pilgrimage up Mount Cristo Rey
Reporting by Jeff Abbott, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jeff Abbott, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
