June 10
Casa Betania Santa Martha, Salto de Agua, Chiapas
Sister Yanet Hernández and Sister Aracely Tovilla welcomed La 72 staff and visitors from the Quixote Center. We had a brief but fruitful talk in which they shared with us about their work and their organization, as well as having to adjust to the a reduced number of staff. The house currently only has two volunteers, both sent by an organization that protects and promotes human rights. They are in Casa Betania for one month and then they will swap with other volunteers from the same organization. Casa Betania also receives help from local volunteers as well as donations.
The area they are in is difficult, as it is a route where crime is the order of the day: insecurity, human trafficking, flora and fauna trafficking, drug trafficking, etc. Casa Betania is a transit house, and people can only stay for three days and must continue on their way so that new arrivals can also have a space to rest.
We finished the visit with a tour of the house, which seems cozy and well-organized and has measures to avoid COVID-19 infection, such as sinks with soap and mandatory use of face masks. With an altar to the Virgin in the center of the courtyard, bracelets and necklaces are hung as a symbol of hope and protection for the brothers and sisters who are going to continue their long journey
The Franciscan Network for Migrants appreciates the support and constant collaboration of Quixote Center. This visit was the first we did together, and we are in dialogue to plan more in the southern border of Mexico. We also thank the migrant shelters that received us despite their own work commitments. We admire the hard work they do every day to seek the defense of the human rights of migrants. It doesn’t matter if we are from different religions or not religious at all, we are always willing to collaborate on behalf of our migrant brothers and sisters. We hope to meet again soon!