Mexican Bishop highlights the work of the Church before the drama of forced migration

Mons. Eugenio Lira Ruggarcía, Bishop of Matamoros-Reynosa and responsible for the episcopal dimension of the pastoral of human mobility in Mexico, stressed the constant commitment of the church with migrants, in particular the victims of the drama of “migration in reverse”, caused by new immigration policies in the United States. In this context, he recognized with gratitude the delivery of those who act as true “migrant apostles.”

In conversation with ACI Press, the former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Puebla, revealed the details of his recent visit to Rome to participate in the jubilee of the clergy, an event that lived as a “very special grace”.

“It has been a time of grace in which I have proven once again that the Holy Spirit harmonizes in the love of Christ the diversity of peoples, cultures and people, and is being carried out. This has revived me in true hope, which is God, with whom everything ends well,” he said.

By citing Pope Leo XIV, he evoked the first time they met, during the visit the threshold of the bishops of Mexico in 2023. The then Cardinal Prevost, Prefect of the Dicasterio for the Bishops, caused the Mexican Bishop “an excellent impression because of its great goodness.”

“God takes things according to the projects of his heart”

Now, seeing him turned into the successor of St. Peter and Vicar of Christ, made him reflect on “the way God takes things according to the projects of his heart, always looking for our true good: that we reach him, in whom we will be happy forever. And that has strengthened me in hope,” he added.

In addition, he said that, although the death of Pope Francis “filled us with pain”, with the choice of Pope Leo XIV “the Lord has shown us that he always sends us the help we need at the right time to carry us forward, until the goal: to be one in it.”

Mons. Lira was able to participate in the meeting that the Pontiff held with the bishops last June in Rome. From that audience, the Mexican prelate revealed what caught his attention: “I was deeply moved by his exhortation to the bishops being aware of the call that the Lord has made us to be a visible principle of unity”, something that the world “needs urgently.”

“And the only one that can help us build unity, in the reality of diversity, is God. That is why the Pope reminded us that bishops must be men of faith; of that faith that is to trust God, adhere to Him, to live as he teaches, and do what he asks, knowing that he takes us forward,” he said next.

In this context, he exclaimed that “that is the hope that people need in front of the sorrows, problems and uncertainties of today”, and that the only way to share “this light that allows us to move forward” in the midst of difficulties, “is to project everyone, with prayer, words and works, the splendor of love that has been shed in us: the Holy Spirit.”

The forced migration drama

From his responsibility as in charge of the episcopal dimension of the Human Mobility Pastoral of the Catholic Church in Mexico, Mons. Eugenio Lira firmly regretted that “the drama of forced migration is terrible.”

The bishop exposed the difficult situation of thousands of people forced to leave their home, their land and their belongings to launch “to a dangerous adventure and an uncertain future.” Many, when they reach their destiny, face loneliness, rejection, racism, threats and fear.

“They suffer the pain of truncated dreams when they are returned, reviving the duel of leaving their family, friends and a work life and integration into the community that had welcomed them. It is terrible,” he said.

Given this reality, Mons. Lira called to recognize the intrinsic value of every person, “beyond their immigration status,” and warned against the visions that generalize and stigmatize: “Some migrants can commit crimes, but there are many more who act righteously and that, with their life and their work, contribute to the good and material progress of the country that welcomes them.”

In this context, he highlighted the vital work of the Church in Mexico: bishops, priests, religious, religious and laity that “with great generosity, professionalism and love, serve the migrant brothers” in almost 60 welcome houses, care centers and dining rooms distributed by the south, central and north of the country.

These servers were called “brave apostles of migrants,” and explained that they are currently facing a new reality: “reverse migration.” Due to recent immigration policies in the United States, many migrants are forced to return to their countries of origin, to seek new routes or regularize their legal situation in Mexico.

“Sincere effort” to end the abuses

Regarding the Pope’s request to be “firm and determined” when dealing with abuses, Mons. Lira said that, although it must be recognized “that in the painful issue of abuse, mistakes and omissions have been made in the past, and they continue to commit in the present because of human weaknesses and imperfections,” considers that there is “a sincere effort to end this scour Ecclesial and many more ”.

Faced with this “sad and worrying” Lacra, which continues to exist in areas such as family, school, the world of sport or show, Mons. Lira indicated that “we should not discourage us: we must continue working to build a healthy church, a family and a healthy society in which all, especially boys, girls, adolescents and vulnerable adults can live with dignity, respect and security.”

He also stressed that “this has been the effort that the Church in Mexico” has made for several years, particularly at a stage that began in 2014 when, “after a serious interdisciplinary work” in which several experts participated, some “guide lines” were outlined to address the cases of abuse.

From then on, as explained by the Prelate, adjustments and updates have been made, “national initiatives and diocesan teams have been created that ensure the protection against abuse, has been trained to priests, deacons and pastoral agents, prevention and intervention programs have been developed in cases of abuse, which include adequate attention to the victim and their family, due accompaniment to the accused, marked by civil and ecclesial laws ”.

However, he warned that “we must continue to improve to offer all safe spaces, in the church, at home and in all environments.”

“It’s wonderful to be a priest”

Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries to be a priest. Therefore, Mons. Lira encouraged “not being afraid.” “Life, as Saint Paul VI said, is great, dramatic and temporary. It spends fast. And you only live once on this earth. Do not miss this great gift,” he said.

“Do not waste it living locked up and being of the ‘pile’, imitating behaviors that most still do not know why. They discover how much they are worth and hunter to the call of God. He will always accompany them and take their hands so that they live their vocation fully. It is wonderful to be a priest! It is a call of love to love! It is worth it!”, He concluded.