by Christine Eberle Many thanks to everyone who held us in prayer during the Ignatian Camino! It was a profound experience, one that we are going to continue to unpack long after our suitcases are put away. We look forward to sharing stories as we see you. Meanwhile, here’s my blog post from one week…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Paúl, “Come sleep in our room tonight?” one of the families asked. With tears in my eyes, I did. All five of us packed into their already crowded room. I’m currently laying on my mattress, which we dragged up the stairs. They’re all snoring. I leave for the…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Paúl, One of my friends in the house has an ankle monitor. Immigration uses ankle monitors to keep track of people in another way besides detention. And no matter your thoughts on ankle monitors as an idea or practice, I just want to invite us to focus on…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Pablo, We sat at the corner of a desk, a blank asylum petition (form I-589) between us. Our goal was to prepare for an upcoming lawyer visit — if they could find a lawyer. “In this section, choose the category that best describes your situation and why you…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Pablo, There are no screens on the windows of the Oakland Catholic Worker (I’m fine mom, there are bars). So occasionally, I will find a bug in my room. Yesterday, as I opened my bedroom door, a bird-sized moth flew from the orange wall and viciously attacked me.…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Pablo, While teaching me how to make tortillas from their home country, my new friends (a father and child) shared why and how they fled to the US. Out of respect for their friendship, privacy, and security, I’ll give non-identifying details, but here’s what I’d like you to…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Pablo, “We cannot love God unless we love each other, and to love, we must know each other. We know God in the breaking of bread, and we know each other in the breaking of bread, and we are not alone anymore.” Dorothy Day We are called to…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Pablo, “Te invito a tacos!” my new friend Fe called out to a room stuffed with people. Everyone began calling out their orders, pollo camarones, carne asada! Dos por favor! We strolled two blocks to Taqueria El Paisa and ordered all 16 tacos. As we approached the register,…
Saludos Mi Familia de San Vicente de Pablo, On Monday, I landed in Oakland, California, and began a two-month stay at the Catholic Worker, Obrero Católico de Oakland. I didn’t know what to expect, and that’s what made me nervous. What would living in one actually be like? The words of Dorothy Day could only…
This past Sunday, Christine Eberle sang a song that was composed by Michael Joncas during this pandemic. Here are the lyrics: Shelter Me Prayer for the COVID-19 Pandemic Shepherd and sheep, my God and I:to fresh green fields you led my steps in days gone by.You gave me rest by quiet springsand filled my soul…