Collaboration at the Border
The Sisters of Mary Reparatrix in both Mexico and the United States have a long history of cooperation and service. Today at the border of Mexico and the United States the situation is vastly different. As is well known due to the immigration policies of the United States Mexican citizens face numerous difficulties gaining entrance into the USA. The purpose of this article is not to dwell, at this moment, on the immigration situation plaguing so many seeking entrances into the USA.
Our story begins in 1921. Mother Mary of St. Wilfrid, English born and at the age of 43, was named superior of the Sisters in Mexico and Cuba. Mary of St. Wilfrid had learned the Spanish language while living in Spain a short time. This was missionary territory indeed. Because of the prohibition of any sort of religious work, Mary of St. Wilfrid experienced one difficulty after another. From 1913 to 1935, Mexico went through troubled times including insurrection and strong anticlericalism. Fearing for the safety of the Sisters, Mary of St. Wilfrid, in March 1925, went to El Paso, Texas to find a house that could be used as a home in case the sister had to go into exile. Mother Mary of St. Wilfrid was welcomed warming by the Bishop of El Paso. The Bishop understood the situation in Mexico. This house in El Paso would prove a haven of safety. The sisters were threatened numerous times by the local police. It was only the people who prevented the police from breaking into the convent.
In 1926, without delay, Mary of St. Wilfrid set about organizing the general departure of the communities to the United States, Canada, and Spain. In El Paso, the Sisters continued the ministry they had been doing in Mexico with the people of El Paso.
In 1929 it was decided that the Sisters who were still in El Paso should return to Mexico though it was still necessary to exercise a lot of prudence and to act in ways that remained unknown to national administrators and the authorities. Eighteen sisters returned to Mexico. In Mexico Sisters were able to catechize and offer retreats but with great caution.
In 1931 the house of El Paso was closed and at the same time a new one was begun in Detroit. It should be noted that there were great anti-Mexican sentiments in El Paso at this time. Though the United States Sisters would return to minister in Texas in the 1980’s, they did not return to El Paso but sought out other locations where the needs of the people were great.
This moment in time gives us a glimpse of what can be accomplished when the needs are great and neighboring countries are working together for the common good.
Ann Kasparek