Dean’s Letter: Music & Hope Reaching Across the Border

Last Sunday Canon Richard Hogue announced that an event that benefits Comunidad de Luz, “An Evening of Music and Hope,” on August 7 and 8, needs volunteers. Because the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, and by extension, the Cathedral, is involved in so many things it is not always easy to keep up with all of them.

Comunidad de Luz is a shelter for migrant women and children in Tijuana. Formed in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mexico, the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, Via International and the Via Joven Foundation, Comunidad de Luz serves woman and children attempting to escape difficult and often violent conditions, who arrive at the border of the United States and Mexico, and due to stringent entrance requirements, are unable to enter into the United States. These women and children often feel traumatized, alone, with little to no hope. Returning to their homelands is not a viable option and Comunidad de Luz offers these women hope, dignity, safety and of vital importance, community.  

Able to accommodate up to 100 women and children, Comunidad de Luz provide not only shelter but also childcare, education, job training, and psychological care, among other services. It also provides perhaps less tangible help—affirmation of the dignity and innate humanity of these women and children. It also serves as a faith community for those who wish to partake as the Episcopal Diocese of Western Mexico commissions priest to serve there. It is a lifeline for those who come there.

The concert to be held at the Cathedral on August 8 (dress rehearsal on August 7), An Evening of Music and Hope, performed by the San Diego Philharmonic, under the guidance of Diego Guerra, will simply be beautiful. For those who are able to volunteer, admission will be free. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, there is an announcement near the bottom of this week’s enews, or contact Blair Shamel at blair.shamel@gmail.com.

When we take the time to learn more about what is happening, we can begin to imagine what else is possible.