SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico — Hundreds of people gathered at the base of Mount Cristo Rey to join a prayer pilgrimage up the sacred mountain that has been thrust into the national border security conversation.
Bishop Peter Baldacchino of the Diocese of Las Cruces led the pilgrims up the dusty, hot and windy trail up the mountain on Sunday, June 28. At the top of the mountain, he called on the Catholic faithful to unity and to “welcome without fear” and for religious liberty.
“On Mount Cristo Rey, we came as a people from neighboring states and countries; but as we climbed up, we became family and we have now together placed ourselves at the feet of Christ the King,” Baldacchino said in the homily he presented at the top of the mountain. “Today’s Mass is a prayer made visible: that the Church will be one, and that civil leaders will defend religious liberty so that the Gospel can be lived and worship can be freely offered.”…