Out in the desert on Friday, Nov. 2, approximately 500 people attended the binational All Soul's Day Mass at the border of Sunland Park, N.M. and Anapra, Mexico. Bishops Armando X. Ochoa, of El Paso, and Ricardo Ramirez, of Las Cruces, and Bishop Renato Ascensio Leon of Juarez concelebrated the Mass on both sides of the tall chain link fence. The altars were simple folding tables covered with white cloths. Bright paper flowers adorned the fence. Small wooden crosses were displayed in memory of the many who died crossing the border in past years.

"The Mass is a tradition on the border and is meant for the living as much as for the dead. We gather together to remember those who have lost their lives and to challenge the living to do what we can to look for comprehensive immigration law," said Bishop Ochoa.

Las Cruces Bishop Ramirez and Juarez Bishop Leon took turns leading the worship, each one on his side of the fence.

Bishop Ramirez sees the annual Border Mass as, "one of the newest traditions and gets more attention. We celebrate on both sides and this unites us."

During the sharing of peace men, women and children reached fingers out to each other through the openings on both sides of the fence. Just before the Mass ended red, white and blue balloons were released into the air accompanied by Mexico's green and red balloons. They billowed out floating together.

A special collection was taken up for the Tabasco, Mexico flood victims.The crowd of religious and laity included locals and travelers from other parts of the U.S. and even Europe. Two Annunciation House volunteers were pleased they had the opportunity to participate in the event. Susanna Schechinger, from Bavaria in Munich, related, "There's a lot of injustice, but I am happy to see people celebrate Mass as a sign of unity. This brings us together and makes us all equal."

Article by Mary Ann Herman-Bogle. Picture and article reprinted from the Rio Grande Catholic