A group of clergymen and parishioners from Mexico greeted their American guests at the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge Sunday with white balloons and glitter letters spelling out "bienvenidos," or welcome.

Groups representing dioceses from both sides of the Texas-Mexico border gathered at the bridge then walked to a local church for Mass to pray for those who died trying to cross the border for a better life in observance of the 95th annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

This year's theme for the worldwide event was "St. Paul: Migrant, Apostle of the Peoples," which coincides with the 2,000th anniversary of the apostle's birth, according to the Vatican.

The service in Reynosa was the culmination of meetings bishops from those dioceses held Friday and Saturday to discuss how the Catholic Church can better serve immigrants and help shape immigration reform, said Bishop Raymundo J. Peña of the Diocese of Brownsville.

"We think it's very important the direction of the church doesn't have any barriers concerning people who come to the church (seeking help)," Peña said.

He and Bishop Faustino Armendariz, of the Diocese of Matamoros hosted the celebration.

En route to La Casa del Migrante, where mass was held, the group stopped at the monument of Arturo Solis Gomez, the founder of the Center of Border Studies and Promotion of Human Rights, which focuses on studying human rights abuses in the Mexican border states of Tamaulipas and Coahuila.

Those who traveled across the border said they were moved by the service and its message of helping one another despite borders.
"I feel that everybody should have a good way of life," said Carol Murphy, a Winter Texan from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., who is staying in Alamo.

Murphy said she and her husband were so moved by attending mass the night before that they wanted to come to Mexico and show their support.

"I didn't understand a word but it was wonderful," she said.

Charlie Tamayo, volunteer coordinator for The Basilica of San Juan, said he hopes this will open dialogue between the two countries on how to address the immigration issue.

"The Church is open to help immigrants on both sides," said Tamayo.

Jennifer L. Berghom covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4462.