The trip that was supposed to bring Genevelle closer to the U.S. border ended in tragedy. The 27-year-old African woman fell from the train in which she was traveling north and was left lying on the rails. She tried to get to safety, but she did not manage to do so in time: the train lacerated his right foot. It was noon time in the month of September 2024. The pain, indescribable, could only be expressed between screams and tears.
Whilst she struggled to survive, her three traveling companions — with whom she had crossed the Atlantic — continued the route with the weight of leaving her behind. Everything indicates that they achieved their goal.
That same day, very close to the site of the accident, Sandra Martínez and Aracely Llanes, members of Franciscan Home-Casa Franciscana Guaymas, were carrying out their daily work of delivering food and hygiene kits to migrants who pass through the famous Empalme, twelve kilometers from Guaymas, in the State of Sonora. When they learned of the accident, they went immediately: they offered her water, protected her from the inclement sun and transferred her in the mission vehicle to the National Hospital of Guaymas. She remained there for about seven months, recovering from surgery and grief. They saved her life, although they could not save her foot.
Franciscan House: 70 years at the service of the most vulnerable
Guaymas Franciscan House, founded more than seventy years ago by the Franciscan Province of Santa Barbara (United States), is a key point of support for the neediest population in the region. The Franciscan presence is recognized in the multiple chapels that dot the city, witnesses of decades of pastoral and social work.
Today, the mission has a solid infrastructure to sustain fifteen programmes dedicated to physical and mental health, education, food, humanitarian support for migrants, and accompaniment of people in street situations. Amongst its facilities are medical, dental and psychological offices, a pharmacy, reception rooms, administrative offices, a house for volunteers and another for the Franciscan fraternity, a dining room for children and adults and a school reinforcement center.
From the day of the accident, The Franciscan House-Casa Franciscana took over Genevelle’s care. After her prolonged hospital stay, she was accommodated in a room within the facilities.
A new routine and new hopes
Today, Genevelle begins her mornings with Mass at 7:30 a.m in the mission’s small chapel, together with collaborators and volunteers. In her free time she creates costume jewelry to sell and generate a small income. However, what excites and challenges her the most are the English classes she teaches to the children of the educational project of the Franciscan Home.
The Director of the Guaymas Franciscan Mission, Fr. Martín Ibarra, OFM – Vicar of the Province of Santa Barbara – explains the work of the mission through a large map of the State of Sonora where all the communities served are indicated. He distinguishes two modes of work: the internal mission, focused on the programs that are developed within the facilities, and the external mission, which involves going out to rural communities to bring those same services. It was precisely the external mission that allowed Sandra and Aracely to meet Genevelle and save her life.
A tradition of service that leaves its mark
In the heart of Guaymas stands the Fray Ivor Toneck Conservatory of Music, an elegant white construction that recalls the dedication of this Franciscan friar, who dedicated his life to promoting local youth through music. With effort and vision, Fr. Ivor managed to make the conservatory a space for professional training in musical arts.
Pilgrims of hope
Genevelle has not given up on her initial dream. She waits patiently for the conditions to be right to try to cross the border. In the meantime, the Franciscan Home-Casa Franciscana is her home, and its team of volunteers and collaborators, her family. Her story is a living testimony of what it means to be a pilgrim of hope.
That same hope that accompanied Aracely Llanes, who died on the 27th November, 2024, just two months after the accident. He spent the penultimate month of his life caring for Genevelle in the hospital. Their dedication remains an act of love and service that profoundly honours the Franciscan charism.
Br. Daniel Rodríguez Blanco, OFM
Director of the JPIC General Office
