On this Holy Thursday, local Faith leaders gathered outside the Whipple Building to pray for those still detained from ICE raids during Operation Metro Surge.
"I first want to invite us to take a deep breath," said Reverend Susie Hayward.
Then she explained the day's importance.
"Today is a day of coming together to care for one another, to break bread together, and we commemorate through ritual Jesus' washing of the feet of His disciples," Hayward said.
The feet and hand washing were accompanied with prayers and singing. It commemorates Jesus' Last Supper, and his washing of the feet of his disciples.
Then several clergy entered the Whipple Building to offer Pastoral care for those still detained.
"To be able to hold them in prayer, to be able to provide ritual, that's important, especially during this most holy time of the year," she adds. "Meets them in their sorrow and offers care and love in their woundedness."
Hayward details what she recently witnessed, when visiting detainees.
"I went in last Friday. We met with five of them," Rev. Hayward said. "They were shackled, so they were experiencing all kinds of anguish. And being able to meet with them, to hold them in prayer, to witness to their anguish, to know their names, and to offer them God's love was incredibly meaningful."
However, Hayward said she doubts these men will get released and be allowed to return home.
