Sacraments on the Move: Archpriest Justo Hurtado Elevated to Lead Expanded Border Support and Legal Advocacy Network
[REGIONAL DESK] — In a move that signals a profound deepening of its apostolic mission across the region, Diakonia Americas has announced both a major expansion of its border ministries and a key pastoral appointment. By consensus of the ecclesial authority and in alignment with our synodal tradition, the Reverend Father Justo Hurtado has been elevated to the dignity of Archpriest.
In this elevated regional office, Archpriest Hurtado will directly oversee the implementation of the Hubs of Hospitality and the coordinated Legal Advocacy Network, Diakonia Americas’ dual strategy to address the growing humanitarian crisis facing displaced families and migrants.
A Shepherd for the Highways and Byways
In the Old Catholic tradition, the office of Archpriest is not merely an administrative promotion, but a call to intensified pastoral care and leadership among the clergy and laity. For Archpriest Hurtado, taking on this mantle means ensuring that the church’s sacramental life directly informs its social justice initiatives.
"To be called to this ministry as Archpriest is a humbling invitation to serve Christ in His most distressing disguises," Hurtado stated following his investiture. "Our Eucharistic ecclesiology teaches us that the altar and the world are inextricably linked. We cannot share the Holy Mysteries inside the sanctuary if we are unwilling to offer sanctuary to the migrant, the refugee, and the seeker on the outside."
Overseeing the Hubs of Hospitality
Under Archpriest Hurtado’s direct oversight, Diakonia Americas is rapidly scaling up its physical front-line operations. These Hubs of Hospitality serve as local, autonomous centers of grace and practical relief, operating under the ancient rule of Christian welcome.
Hurtado will coordinate clergy, lay ministers, and ecumenical partners to provide:
Sacramental and Pastoral Care: Spiritual accompaniment that honors the inherent dignity of every human soul, regardless of legal status.
Holistic Social Services: Secure overnight shelter, nutritious meals, and trauma-informed mental health resources for families in transit.
Fearless Advocacy for 'Christ the Wanderer'
Beyond immediate relief, Archpriest Hurtado will lead the Legal Advocacy Network in confronting the systemic injustices that oppress marginalized workers and families. This arm of the ministry mobilizes legal experts to lobby regional governments for dignity-first policy reforms, viewing migration through the lens of the Holy Family's flight into Egypt.
Under his leadership, the network will aggressively pursue humane immigration reform, fight against the economic exploitation of undocumented laborers, and challenge legislation that criminalizes basic human kindness.
By blending the historic, liturgical depth of the undivided Church with a fearless, progressive commitment to human rights, Archpriest Hurtado and Diakonia Americas are demonstrating that an ancient faith is precisely what is needed to navigate the modern world.
