In mid-December, an intergenerational group of Pax Christi USA members participated in an encuentro border delegation as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope. The 12 participants from across the United States are involved in local immigrant support and advocacy networks; several of the participants are immigrants themselves. The majority of the group were young adults (under 40) and almost all were part of the Pax Christi USA Peace Pairs program.
Over the past few weeks, we have released a series of reflections from some of the participants of the pilgrimage. The fifth and final reflection, written by Hugh Truempi, the border encounter facilitator, is below.
We are grateful to our generous donor who made this immersion trip possible.
Use this link to read more about the delegation and to read the other reflections.
Peacebuilding and migration justice
Hugh Truempi
My experience as a leader on the 2025 Pax Christi USA pilgrimage to the US–Mexico border was inspiring and energizing. I have the privilege of leading border encounters throughout the year, and I find this work both meaningful and timely given the current rhetoric toward migrants. The Pax Christi group, however, was unlike any other group I’ve been a part of.
Each participant arrived with a unique life experience and background, and with hearts and minds that were curious, open, and eager both to learn and to share. The presence of Pax Christi elders alongside young adult leaders created a generative exchange of wisdom and passion. I found the shared meals and the small moments in between formal sessions to be just as impactful as the scheduled activities and talks. Each moment became a fruitful encounter.
Throughout the week, we met with local leaders and organizers who shared their expertise on border history and offered perspectives on migrant hospitality. We visited local migrant shelters and churches, and we prayed and reflected together each day.
Together, we explored a central question: what does peacebuilding look like in the context of migration justice?
Our week culminated in a final reflection, followed by a festive dinner where we celebrated a successful pilgrimage. I departed feeling deeply connected, stirred with hope, and sweetly fatigued. Participating in Pax Christi’s pilgrimage to the border was truly a gift.
