AMERICA/MEXICO - Two new hostels for migrants for the Pope's visit, in the Year of Mercy

San Cristobal de Las Casas (Agenzia Fides) - "On the occasion of the Pope's visit to San Cristobal de Las Casas, we will build two hostels for migrants in the Year of Mercy, since the passage of those who, from various parts of the south, especially Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, seeking to reach the United States risking their lives does not stop". This is what was announced by His Exc. Mgr. Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, Bishop of San Cristobal de Las Casas, where today, February 15, Pope Francis will celebrate Mass with the indigenous communities of Chiapas.
In the statement, sent to Fides, the Bishop points out that migrants "are subject to extortion, robberies, rapes, deceits, kidnappings and all kinds of abuse", in front of this "we cannot remain indifferent and our immigration pastoral has increased its services". In our diocese, Mgr. Arizmendi Esquivel continues, we have three hostels for migrants: in Palenque, Comitan and San Cristobal. "However, we urgently need to build two more, in Frontera Comalapa and Salto de Agua, because in these places hundreds of them come, and we want to offer a place where they can rest, eat, have a bath, washclothes, sleep and then continue their journey. In several cases we offer legal assistance and economic support".
In the diocese a collection to build the two new hostels was made, and the collection will be given to the Pope during the Mass that he will celebrate today in San Cristobal. "The Pope will not bring the collection to Rome – explains the Bishop -, which we present as a community offering for the poor, in this case for migrants. The Pope thought this is a very good initiative in this Year of Mercy, because what we want to promote is being merciful, especially with those who suffer, such as migrants". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 15/02/2016)

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