With heartfelt gratitude, we celebrated our Annual National Gathering from February 27th to March 1st in Cuernavaca, marked by the joy of our 10th anniversary of the Rahamim Network (Talitha Kum network in Mexico). 28 participants from the networks of Tapachula, Mérida, Guadalajara, Ciudad Juárez, and Mexico City embraced one another. Although violence and insecurity prevented the networks of Puebla and Colima from joining us physically, their presence was felt in every prayer in which we fervently asked for peace in Mexico.

These days were reflected by profound contrasts and deep sensitivity, as we listened, learned, and deepened our understanding of the challenges in our mission, while also caring for physical and spiritual well-being to sustain our network in this important mission. Through the "Tour of Hope," we learned about the dreams of each network and also touched on painful realities: the powerful testimonies of mothers searching for their missing children, and the tragedy of forced migration. Between presentations on human trafficking with "Alas de Libertad” (Wings of Freedom), and in self-care and yoga sessions, we were reminded that caring for life begins with listening and nurturing our own bodies.

In addition, in the area of communication and prevention, we recorded five podcasts that will soon be available to give voice to many stories of resistance and prevention. We concluded our gathering with laughter, dancing, and the traditional cake to the tune of "Las Mañanitas," looking forward to our anniversary this coming September 23rd. We returned home renewed, ready to continue our mission: Defending Life with Mercy.

by Sr. Clara Torres Acevedo, SMC

National Coordinator of Red Rahamim México