For many people navigating the immigration system, court hearings can be extremely stressful and isolating experiences. This year, several IVC Members are responding to that need through the FAITH Ministry, a pilot project of the Diocese of San Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and the San Diego Organizing Project
FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment In Trust & Hope) trains volunteers to provide prayerful accompaniment to individuals attending immigration hearings. In practice, this means sitting alongside people in the courthouse, offering moral support, listening, and providing encouragement as they navigate an often-intimidating process. IVC Members bring their deep commitment to presence, compassion, and discernment to this ministry, embodying the Ignatian value of walking with those in need.
Recently, new corps member Patrick Corrigan started in an IVC position as a FAITH Project Lead. In this role, Patrick helps to coordinate FAITH’s activities at the courthouse, acting as the “eyes and ears on the ground.” He keeps the team informed about day-to-day changes or emerging patterns, ensuring the ministry runs smoothly and volunteers can provide consistent support.
A number of other IVC members volunteer for regular accompaniment shifts at the courthouse. “The presence of our volunteers sends a clear message: you are not alone,” said Fr. Hung Nguyen, SJ, one of the leaders of the project. “Even small gestures – offering a prayer, a reassuring word, or simply a friendly face – can help reduce fear and anxiety during these hearings.”
Two IVC members shared about their recent experiences in this ministry of presence:
Last week in immigration court, I accompanied a man who had driven six hours to make his 8 a.m. hearing. Dressed in a suit and visibly anxious, he had lived and worked in the U.S. for 32 years, raising U.S.-born children, only to have his long-closed case (16 years) suddenly reopened. The judge granted his request for a transfer, but as we left, we didn’t know if ICE would stop him. Surrounded by a dozen masked agents in the hallway, he gripped my hand tightly as we walked arm in arm to the elevator. For me, accompaniment meant sharing his fear and his hope in that moment.
- Tricia Heras
During my two visits to court thus far, I often felt helpless and even embarrassed to sit and witness such a scary moment in someone else’s life, I also prayed for each respondent as their case was brought up. It’s unclear whether my individual presence as a layperson watching these proceedings makes much difference to any person, but I wonder what would have happened in Germany, or Argentina, or Ethiopia had average citizens been able to be present when decisions were being made about the worth of their neighbors. I’m proud to be a participant in FAITH and, at the very least, I’m telling anyone who will listen about what I’m seeing. I pray that our combined efforts turn our country away from this needless cruelty.
- Lynn Devine
These experiences are a reminder that service is not only about completing tasks but about being fully present to others, honoring their humanity, and witnessing to God’s love in action. Through FAITH Ministry, IVC Members are living the Ignatian call to accompany others in their journey, offering a steady presence that embodies hope, respect, and care.
