Grief can be a burden,
Sarah Dessen
but also an anchor.
You get used to the weight,
how it keeps you in your place.
For many migrants, religion is a source of strength and hope, although leaving home in search of a better future is fraught with uncertainty and challenges. In this context, faith offers comfort, motivation and gives a sense of belonging.
In many cases, migrants pray and participate in religious ceremonies before embarking on their journey. Prayers and blessings become a ritual that strengthens their determination and gives them the courage to face the adversities that they will encounter on their path. Devotion to religious figures such as the Virgin of Guadalupe is particularly significant, as it symbolizes protection and guidance.
Religious challenges and conflicts
The religious experience of migrants It is not without challenges. Although in the United States, the Catholic population is the majority, there is still an important religious diversity, which approves the tolerance of cults.
In some cases, religion can become a divisive factor. Some migrants may face religious discrimination, which complicates their integration and well-being. In particular, migrants who practice minority religions may feel isolated and face additional difficulties in finding welcoming migratory faith communities. This can result in a loss of identity and a sense of disconnection, both with their home country and new environment.
There are also migrants who feel relegated from their religion due to the universe of practices that still exist within the same community. Many traditional rituals are transformed due to their relationship with the new space or new ones emerge from the need for adaptation and acceptance.
“The truth is that those who join this new social context rework their references -cultural, gender, nationality, etc.- to decode the gaze of others and create their new identity references.” (Olga Odgers Ortiz, 2005)
The role of religion in death and grief
Religion also plays a crucial role in how migrants handle death and grief. In particular, the death of a loved one in a foreign country can be traumatic.
Churches and religious organizations often provide crucial support during these times. They organize funeral services that respect cultural and religious traditions, offering a space for mourners to express their grief and honor the memory of their loved ones.
Additionally, several services facilitate the repatriation of bodies to their countries of origin, a common practice among migrants who wish to lay their loved ones to rest in their homeland.
Spirituality and psychology in the migration process
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Psychology of Religion emerged as a branch of applied psychology and the science of religion. In it, religion is approached as a personal practice rather than as an organized system of beliefs, symbols and pre-established rituals.
Making this distinction has allowed it to be studied from three dimensions: cognitive, behavioral and affective, very important to understand the way it impacts man and its significance in the world.
In 1997, within this branch, psychologist Kenneth Pargament developed the term coping or religious coping. Its purpose is to review how people “use beliefs and behaviors—such as meditation, prayer, rituals, and beliefs about life and death— to prevent or alleviate the negative consequences of stressful events […].” (Lazarus and Folkman,1986)
In this sense, religious creeds, such as the migrant prayer or prayers to invoke help at the time of crossing the border, become a tool to increase psychological well-being through the stimulation of positive feelings, hope, faith and self-control before leaving and during the trip.
How does prayer help in migrant grief?
- Prayer allows people to connect with their faith and spirituality, offering comfort in times of uncertainty and sadness.
- Praying, especially in the community, can help migrants feel that they are not alone in their experience.
- Through prayer, people can find strength and courage to face the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
- It can provide a positive perspective, helping to reinterpret difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Practicing prayer and meditation can reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall well-being.
How to prepare for prayer?
Getting started in the world of prayer can be a significant experience. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Set a time: Dedicate time for prayer in your daily life. This can be in the morning, when you wake up, before going to sleep, or any time you feel most spiritually connected.
- Create a conducive environment: Find a quiet place without distractions to practice prayer. You can decorate this space with elements that inspire you spiritually, such as candles, religious images or plants.
- Choose a prayer method: There are many ways to pray, from silent meditation to reciting traditional prayers. Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you.
- Additional resources: Use prayer books, guided meditation apps, or sacred music to enrich your prayer experience.
- Be sincere: Prayer is an act of communication with the divine, so be sincere with yourself and your experience. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions, doubts or concerns.
- Listen: Prayer not only involves speaking, but also listening. Take time to be silent and receptive to any answers or guidance you may receive during your prayer time.
- Supportive community: Consider joining a prayer group or religious community where you can share your experiences, receive support, and grow in your spiritual life together with others.
Religion is a central element in the immigration experience. It acts as an anchor that provides emotional stability, a support network that facilitates integration and a source of resilience in times of adversity. However, it also presents challenges and can be a source of conflict and discrimination.
Understanding the impact of religion on the lives of migrants is crucial. At Del Pueblo Funeral Home we offer services that respect and honor religious traditions. The consideration of faith and religious practices are an example, in addition to strengthening the community bond and providing comfort in times of pain. We make difficult times easier.
