October marks one year since Springfield resident Lucio Perez, a well-respected Guatemalan immigrant who has lived and worked in the United States just shy of 20 years, sought sanctuary at First Congregational Church in Amherst, after receiving deportation orders from ICE that would have separated him from his wife and four children. Since then, Lucio has received attention from the media; his story allowing us to witness the sacrifices he has been forced to make in the current climate.
We are not members of First Church, yet since Lucio’s arrival, our family has had the privilege of attending various events there. Our initial attendance at First Church was during Sunday service, a few months into Lucio’s time in sanctuary. Hearing that Lucio would give the sermon that particular Sunday, we attended service. Our intent was to better understand Lucio’s situation, and learn how we could support him, especially from our position as Amherst residents who had petitioned that Amherst become a sanctuary city. During his sermon, we learned of Lucio’s challenging situation, yet quickly witnessed his infectious optimism which he continues to exude, despite the difficulties his current life’s chapter presents. Lucio’s words left a mark, but equally influential was our experience at First Church. At one point during the service, newcomers were asked to stand and were formally acknowledged and welcomed with a homemade loaf of bread. Little did we realize that the loaf of bread we were gifted was only a slice of the hospitality that community members have shown Lucio throughout this past year.
Shortly after attending Sunday service, we became aware of the numerous initiatives the church and wider community had established to support Lucio. In addition to First Church Amherst, this community includes support from the Pioneer Valley Workers Center, the Interfaith Sanctuary and Solidarity Network, which includes numerous interfaith congregations, and individuals from all over the Pioneer Valley. A cooking schedule was organized to provide Lucio with varied, homemade meals. Accompaniment volunteers give of their time so that someone is always with Lucio in the event ICE shows up, or another emergency arises. Throughout the year, these volunteers have signed up for daytime, and overnight shifts to ensure Lucio’s safety and well-being. Additional volunteers have committed countless hours to drive Lucio’s family members back and forth to Springfield, so that he may visit with them multiple times each week. Lucio offers Spanish classes that he co-teaches with community members. One of us attended these classes for a period of time, which resulted in getting to know Lucio better. We are moved by the commitment of community volunteers who are present multiple days each week to offer this service, so that Lucio may generate an income to provide his family while he is in sanctuary. The First Church community also organizes and hosts monthly potluck dinners, providing community members the chance to visit with Lucio. The potlucks often feature a guest speaker, such as at the upcoming potluck to be held Oct. 29 when Libby Garland, author of “After they Closed the Gates, Jewish Illegal Immigration to the U.S. 1921-1965,” will present prior to the potluck meal.
We are grateful for the many community members who have displayed such warm hospitality to Lucio while he has been in sanctuary. This display of camaraderie from the community has been an uplifting response to the unjust, racist treatment that many undocumented immigrants have experienced; thank you to everyone who has opened their arms and hearts.
Katie Lazdowski and Artie McCollum
Amherst