All are invited to Border Mass in Nogales

On Friday, June 26, 2026, the Diocese of Tucson will join several other dioceses from across the Southwest in hosting Border Mass 250, with a Rosary procession across the U.S.-Mexico border at Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico.

This pastoral event will highlight our Christian call and responsibility to engage one another in the ministry of presence, bringing together people of all backgrounds and perspectives from both sides of the border to recognize one another’s inherent dignity as members of the Mystical Body of Christ.

Bishop Misko and some of his brother bishops will begin the event with a live streamed pastoral conversation at Sacred Heart Parish in Nogales, Arizona, to discuss what the Church holds to be true about human migration and the gospel call to care for those compelled to migrate.  The bishops will also speak a word of encouragement to those who live out each day as residents on both sides of an international border.  Finally, they will discuss to the right and responsibility of nations to manage their borders with the gospel command to protect the stranger and recognizing his or her human rights and human dignity. 

The bishops will then gather to celebrate Eucharist at Sacred Heart Parish in Nogales, Arizona to pray for all who are immersed in this complex human reality, including our political leaders.  After Mass, everyone will process through Nogales, Arizona to the border where we will cross over to meet the Church in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico for prayer and a moment of pastoral accompaniment.  

This time for pastoral accompaniment and spiritual reflection will help us to honor the generations of families who have long called this region home, acknowledge migrants navigating the legal system in very difficult personal circumstances, and lift up the men and women entrusted with enforcing laws and maintaining public safety. 

As we approach our nation’s anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this day will also offer the opportunity to consider the immeasurable contributions migrants have made to the United States over the past 250 years—many of whom have sought refuge from persecution and hardship and have helped shape the life of our nation. Despite the challenges and complexities, we pray that God will fill all hearts with His grace—so that we may see Christ in one another and protect human dignity as the greatest gift given in God’s providential love.