From cold factories to warm celebrations of Mass, Glenmary walks with migrant workers every step of the way. By Father Vic Subb
There have been many joys I have experienced in my priesthood—the joy of celebrating Mass and the sacraments and of spending time with families in both their celebrations and their sorrows.
When summer arrives, one special joy returns: the arrival of migrant workers. They are a vital part of my ministry. In the early years of my priesthood, President Ronald Reagan’s immigration program, which helped migrants obtain work authorization, became a major focus. I assisted hundreds through the process. Seeing a migrant leave the immigration office with a work permit brought me sheer joy.
Today, most migrant workers arrive in the US through temporary work visas. The Church remains a lifeline for them. They come to work hard and save money to support their families back home.
After many summers of returning to the same location, many of these workers become more than just visitors; they become friends. They bring new photos each year. “My son’s growing!” “Another baby is on the way!” I’ve been blessed to visit their homes in Mexico and Guatemala. Over time, we become like family.
I’ve taken many to the doctor when needed. One man, Daniel, was diagnosed with a brain tumor after several visits. With treatment, he recovered and has returned to working in tobacco fields.
In North Carolina, in a small fishing village called Mattamuskeet, 50 women come each year to work in crab and shrimp processing. The factory is cold and the hours are long. These women, mostly middle-aged, have grown children at home. One woman, Theresa, has been coming for six years. “My children keep wanting to go to school,” she told me. “I work for my children.”
Twice a month, we celebrate Mass together. After a long day’s work, the women dress up for the 5 p.m. liturgy. Peace and joy fill the area. It is a sacred moment.
The Church has spoken on this in its document Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope. We are brothers and sisters.
Thank God for summer and for our summer visitors. God bless our farmers and God bless the migrant workers who put food on our tables.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of the Glenmary Challenge.
