Alumni Border Immersion 2024

Trip Overview

May 20-24 - U.S. - Mexico Border in Southern Texas

May 24-27 - Optional Extension in Monterrey, Mexico

Join your fellow ILI alumni for a week of reflection, service, and fellowship along the U.S.-Mexico border in San Juan, Texas. Rooted in the values of kinship and accompaniment, this immersion experience will explore the reality of migration along the U.S.-Mexico border. As an ILI community, we will hear from experts, and those who are working on the front lines of the migration issue. Each day, we will volunteer alongside Sr. Norma Pimentel at the Humanitarian Respite Center, while accompanying the 80 - 200 refugees/immigrants that are received daily at the HRC. We will also have opportunities to be immersed in and explore the rich arts, culture, and history of the Rio Grande Valley, adding to our understanding of the region and the realities of everyday life along the border. This week will reconnect you with your ILI community, reinvigorate your mind, and refresh your spirit, and open your hearts to the humanity of those seeking refuge and safety away from the place they have traditionally called home.

For those who want to continue their immersion, you can select the optional extension trip and journey to Monterrey, Mexico. There we will volunteer alongside ILI Cohort 4 alumnus, Luis Zavala, Executive Director of Casa Monarca, a migrant shelter in Monterrey. Here you will have the chance to see the reality of the refugee and migration crisis from the other side of the border.

This immersion trip will offer the profound opportunity to witness the reality of the issue of migration, as well as to accompany those fleeing their home for a new start.  It is our hope that travelers will return home with a greater understanding of the migration crisis in this part of the world, and deeper empathy for those individuals who we will encounter during a part of their journey. 

Below you will find an overview of the itinerary and some information about the organizations we will engage with during this immersion.  Additional details, and the opporunity to register can be found on the regisration site linked below.  

Register Here

 

Itinerary Overview

Monday, May 20	Day 1 - Arrival (D) Arrive to McAllen International Airport (MFE) by 5 p.m. and transfer to hotel (flights not included in package) Welcome dinner and keynote address by local bishop- Bishop Daniel Flores, or Bishop Mario Aviles Overnight in San Juan Meal included: Dinner
Tuesday, May 21	Day 2 - Orientation (B, L, D) Morning Mass and tour of Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, led by Rector, Fr. Jorge Gomez Large Group Session #1 – Hopes and Expectations for the Week Orientation at the Humanitarian Respite Center and serve there through dinner Overnight in San Juan Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wednesday, May 22	Day 3 - Service (B) Return to the Humanitarian Respite Center Large Group Session #2 – Meeting and talk by Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley Serve lunch and spend the afternoon serving & accompanying guests & workers Before dinner, optional visit to the most comprehensive collection of stained glass in the U.S. at the Gelman Stained Glass Museum Small group dinner outings Overnight in San Juan Meals included: Breakfast
Thursday, May 23	Day 4 - Exploration (B, L, D) Visit La Lomita Chapel to discuss and discover its historical and present-day relevance along the U.S. – Mexico border Have a brief visit at the World Birding Center at Quinta Mazatlan to explore the native gardens and birds in these sanctuaries Large Group Session #3 – Talk on immigration law over lunch Afternoon Options: Try your hand at creating a work of art with a workshop at McAllen Stained Glass Explore the International Museum of Art & Science Return to the HRC for more service & accompaniment Large Group Session #4 – Closing reflections with takeaway from the week Evening BBQ at a local ranch Overnight in San Juan Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Friday, May 24	Departure (B) Transfer to airport and depart (flights not included in package) Meal included: Breakfast
Friday, May 24 (EXTENSION)	San Juan - Monterrey (B) Transfer to Monterrey, Mexico Check into hotel Overnight in Monterrey Meal included: Breakfast
Saturday, May 25 (EXTENSION)	Monterrey (B) Serve at Casa Monarca, hosted & arranged by & ILI alumnus & Executive Director of Casa Monarca, Luis Zavala Overnight in Monterrey Meal included: Breakfast
Sunday, May 26 (EXTENSION)	Monterrey (B) Serve at Casa Monarca, hosted & arranged by & ILI alumnus & Executive Director of Casa Monarca, Luis Zavala Overnight in Monterrey Meal included: Breakfast
Monday, May 27 (EXTENSION)	Departure (B) Transfer to airport and depart (flights not included) Meal included: Breakfast

Where Are We Going?

The Humanitarian Respite Center (HRC) has served over 10,000 men, women, and children in the Rio Grande Valley since it began in 2014.  The Center provides basic care for those seeking asylum in the United States, and is the first point of contact for individualsm - as many as 80-200 a day -  once they are released from immigration detention centers.  Services provided include a warm meal, a shower, clean clothes, temporary shelter, medical supplies and assistance, legal orientation and general information, and transportation.  For more information on the HRC, visit their website.

For those who wish to continue on to Monterrey, Mexico, we will spend time at Casa Monarca. Casa Monarca supports migrants who are passing through the city, or who wish to settle there.  From urgent needs such as food, clothing, and medical assistance, to legal guidance and accompaniment, they strive to promote human rights and foster solidarity with migrants.  Fr. Luis Zavala, an alumnus of ILI Cohort 4, is the founder and Executive Director of Casa Monarca.  For more information, visit their website.

Who Will We Engage With?

Sr. Norma Pimental

Sister Norma Pimental is the Exeutive Director, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.  Learn more about her and her work at the video and links below: 

• American Magazine

• CBS News

• ABC News

Fr. Luis Zavala

Fr. Luis Zavala, an alumnus of ILI Cohort 4, is the founder and Executive Director of Casa Monarca.

Notre Dame Faculty Travel Companions

We will be joined by 1 or 2 Notre Dame faculty members who are both familiar with ILI and who have some expertise and/or experience on the issue of migration in this part of the world.  As soon as schedules are confirmed, we will announce these individuals here and via email.

Learn More Before the Trip

In Spring 2024, ILI will offer exclusive pre-trip educational opportunities featuring experts from ND who can prepare us - both our minds and our hearts - for this immersive trip experience.  We will explore the issue of migration with Notre Dame faculty and experts on this topic from different disciplines, from theology, to economics. As details about these opportunities are confirmed, we will share information on this page and specifically with those who have registered to attend. 

ILI and Verso Ministries

The Inspired Leadership Initiative has partnered with Verso Ministries to offer the 2024 Border Immersion Trip.  Verso Ministries is a Catholic pilgrimage company helping people explore the world and discover what God has in store for them, and their office is located across the street from the Notre Dame campus. To learn more, visit their website.