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Mission Reflection: SLU Jesuit Scholastic Shares Solidarity Pilgrimage Experiences

12/05/2019

In the New Testament, Mary and Joseph are portrayed as migrants, undertaking a journey to Bethlehem, one that would end with the birth of Jesus Christ in a stable. Later, the family would cross borders multiple times seeking safety and a place to call home, not unlike many families around the world today.

For Kevin Kuehl, a Jesuit Scholastic and student in Saint Louis University’s College of Philosophy and Letters, his passion about issues related to migration led him on a journey just before the holiday season, leading high school students from across the Archdiocese of Saint Louis to El Paso, on the border between the United States and Mexico.

SLU Solidarity Pilgrimage Group

SLU Solidarity Pilgrims including Jesuit Scholastic Kevin Kuehl (back row, first on left) gather with El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz (back row, third from left) while on their journey to El Paso earlier this fall. Submitted photo

The U.S./Mexico Border has been an increasingly visible site of debate as migrating women, children and men fleeing violence and poverty in Central America have journeyed north, some seeking asylum and others making dangerous, sometimes illegal border crossings from Mexico into the U.S.

Called the Solidarity Pilgrimage, the effort was organized by the archdiocese’s Peace and Justice Commission and blessed by St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson. Ten SLU students, Kuehl and staff members from SLU’s Center for Service and Community Engagement led 100 students from nine St. Louis area Catholic high schools on a 22-hour bus ride to El Paso.

SLU Solidarity Pilgrims
  • Claire Brennecke, student
  • Mary O'Connell, student
  • Delanie Muenchen, student
  • Michael Vega, student
  • Gabriela Keator, student
  • Cailyn Reid, student
  • Andrea Buschkoetter, student
  • Julie Morell, student
  • Carly Manshum, student
  • Julia Griffen, student
  • Jessica Trout, staff member, Center for Service and Community Engagement
  • Kevin Kuehl, student and Jesuit Scholastic

While on the pilgrimage, the students reflected on Catholic Social Teaching, the reality migrants face as they make their journeys toward the U.S. and visited community leaders in El Paso, including Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, and Ruben Garcia the founder and director of Annunciation House.

The pilgrims also visited a Jesuit parish located near the border, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and Café Mayapan, and attended a presentation by members of the U.S. Border Patrol. As part of the journey, the pilgrims also attended a Border Mass celebrated by Seitz.

A Jesuit in formation who is studying philosophy, Kuehl was one of a group of SLU students invited by the Department of Campus Ministry to accompany the younger students on the Solidarity Pilgrimage.

The experience, he said, “was a reminder of the importance of my call to be a minister of reconciliation.”

“It is so important for me as a Jesuit to be formed to make Christ's presence known in marginal spaces - like the border where we celebrated Mass,” Kuehl continued.

Border Mass in El Paso

Pilgrims join the Bishop of El Paso, Mark Seitz, and other clergy and faithful for a Mass on the U.S./Mexico border in late October. Submitted photo

Kuehl’s Experience on the Solidarity Pilgrimage

What were the most meaningful aspects of taking part in this journey?

The most meaningful part of the pilgrimage was the Border Mass itself. The space where the Mass took place was incredibly unique. We were literally in the canal of the Rio Grande that demarcates the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

The altar was set up on sandbar in the middle and a small bridge had been constructed so that the bishops could cross from one side to the other. The Mass was a wonderful celebration of communion despite the razor wire, border wall and other reminders of the human obstacles to our unity.

At the Sign of Peace, we could merely wave to our brothers and sisters on the Mexican side.

That moment was both poignant and hopeful to me.

In what ways do the aims of the pilgrimage align with SLU's Jesuit mission, in your view?

In 2000, at Santa Clara University, Father General Peter Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., gave a landmark speech that in my view captures the essence of what Jesuit education is about. He said that the Jesuit mission is meant to “educate the whole person of solidarity for the real world,” and “Solidarity is learned through ‘contact’ rather than through ‘concepts.’”

I believe that this pilgrimage attempted to actualize this element of the Jesuit mission today. The point is to put students in contact with people on the margins, to help them understand at least part of their stories, and cultivate growth in a sense of solidarity.

I think the pilgrimage was important step in facilitating this type of educational experience.

What did you take away from the pilgrimage, as a person of faith?

I am continually moved by how much it must pain God to see the human family divided.

I know that God was present with us at the Mass and throughout the pilgrimage as we attempted to bring hope and unity into a situation that has been so divisive. It’s important that we keep hoping!

What most surprised you about this journey?

I was most surprised by the passion, curiosity, and engagement of the high school students who participated. It was a real gift to be able to accompany them for this transformative experience!

Can you talk about any relationships or deeper personal connections that developed for you as part of this journey?

I am really grateful for the other SLU students who were part of this experience. It was a joy to get to know them and to witness their passion for upholding the dignity of migrants. They are wonderful, talented leaders motivated by faith and a desire to work for a better world. I think that the pilgrimage provided a shared opportunity to come together, share our passions, and collaborate.

I’m hopeful that these relationships will continue to grow and cultivate opportunities for meaningful change in our SLU community.

Read Kuehl’s Reflection About His Journey in The Jesuit Post