Over the past several months I have listened to, recorded and accompanied the testimonies of migrant women serving as catechists in parishes across Southern California. These narratives are part of a pastoral and theological project aimed at understanding how they live their faith amidst displacement and the kind of spiritual leadership they provide, often with no recognition.
Many arrived in the United States fleeing poverty or violence, carrying children, fears and a faith that seemed to be the only stable thing in their lives. Today they coordinate groups, prepare families for the sacraments, translate the Word into simple language, pray with other mothers and accompany those who suffer.
One of them told me in a hushed tone after an interview: "Sometimes I feel like the church uses me, but doesn't see me."
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