We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
-Hebrews 7:19
Friar Jarek Wysoczański, OFM Conv., has dedicated his life to serving the poor and those on the margins. A native of Poland, friar Jarek has served in our missions in Peru and Africa, and he continues this service to some of the most vulnerable men, women and children in our world: refugees. “I was drawn to serve on the U.S.-Mexico border, where our friars at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Friary reside and care for the parish of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Ysleta Mission.”
Friar Jarek exudes warmth, kindness and joy, as do the numerous volunteers who work alongside him at Holy Family Refugee Center in El Paso, TX. “From the bottom of my heart I feel that God is calling me to be with refugees,” friar Jarek said. “We only work with documented refugees, those who have a legal right to be here. It’s challenging as the rules governing refugees always seem to be changing.”
Friar Jarek described the numerous hardships that the men, women and children face as they seek refuge in the United States. “Besides the physical hardships of their journey, they are often taken advantage of along the way; most of our guests have been robbed before they reach the border, and our volunteers assist them in procuring clothing, food and shelter. We also arrange for transportation by bus or airplane so that they may be united with family in the United States.”
“As a Franciscan, I see our ministry deeply rooted in the Franciscan story. St. Francis found lepers repulsive and unapproachable, but then had a moment of conversion where he embraced, and even kissed a leper. St. Francis and his early followers ministered to these ‘untouchables’ and unwanted members of society. Our ministry at Holy Family Refugee Center carries that tradition forward in the spirit of St. Francis, who followed in the footprints of Jesus Christ. ‘…I was a stranger, and you welcomed me’ (Matthew 25:35).”
Friar Jarek and the other volunteers shared how overwhelmed they are by the generosity of these people who have next to nothing and yet, what they do have, they willingly share. “We had a situation with a family who had a handicapped child, and they needed assistance to buy bus tickets to San Antonio, Texas. The Center has very limited funds to help with transportation so we could only purchase two tickets. The Haitian community in El Paso rallied to their support and we were able to buy tickets for the whole family to go to San Antonio. The refugees are especially generous with their time and give back to the Holy Family Center.”
One of the volunteers shared the following, “When clients first come to the Holy Family Center, they have a paper wrist bracelet that they wear. Immigration requires them to wear this bracelet until their legal status is determined. When they come to Holy Family, they no longer need to wear that bracelet, and we cut it off, and we keep reminding them that they are now free. They cannot believe it.” Friar Jarek and the volunteers at Holy Family Center joyfully and selflessly carry out this very Franciscan ministry, and our province draws inspiration from them.
