Bishops in New Mexico and Texas call pilgrims to Mount Cristo Rey as diocese fights U.S. government effort to seize land for border wall construction.
Newsroom (26/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) As a legal battle intensifies over the future of Mount Cristo Rey, a historic Catholic pilgrimage site on the U.S.–Mexico border, bishops from New Mexico and Texas have issued a call to the faithful to gather in prayer on the mountain itself.
In a June 23 message, Bishop Peter Baldacchino of the Diocese of Las Cruces announced that he and Bishop Mark J. Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso were inviting clergy and laypeople to join a June 28 pilgrimage to the summit. The event will culminate in a Mass beneath the towering statue of Christ the King that crowns the site.
Rising 4,675 feet above Sunland Park, New Mexico, Mount Cristo Rey has served as a place of devotion for nearly a century. A 29-foot limestone statue of Jesus, arms extended in a gesture of welcome and unity, overlooks the surrounding desert landscape of southern New Mexico and El Paso. Each year, thousands of pilgrims climb the rugged path to pray at the shrine, making it a focal point of regional Catholic life.
Participants in the June 28 pilgrimage will begin their ascent at 4:30 p.m., with the Mass scheduled for 6 p.m., celebrated by Bishop Baldacchino and Auxiliary Bishop Anthony C. Celino of El Paso.
Legal conflict over land seizure
The gathering comes amid an ongoing court dispute between the Diocese of Las Cruces and the federal government over plans to seize approximately 14 acres of land that include Mount Cristo Rey. The proposed acquisition is part of efforts tied to construction of a segment of the U.S. border wall, a key element of former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
While acknowledging the government’s authority to secure national borders, Bishop Baldacchino framed the dispute as one of principle rather than politics.
“Our government is within its rights to secure its border,” he wrote, “however, our Diocese is defending itself against the means by which the government now seeks to do so.”
He criticized the placement of a border wall near the shrine, describing it as incompatible with the symbolism of Christ’s message. “The erection of a symbol of division in the shadow of Christ runs contrary to the very person of Christ,” he said, emphasizing that the issue centers on protecting a sacred space rather than advancing a political position.
Religious freedom concerns
In a June 19 filing with the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, the diocese argued that the proposed seizure violates religious freedom protections. The legal challenge invokes both the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which restricts the government from substantially burdening religious exercise without a compelling interest pursued through the least restrictive means.
The diocese characterized the planned border wall as incompatible with Catholic teaching, describing it as “a physical symbol of the Government’s dehumanizing treatment of migrants.” It further argued that construction would “deface” and “profane” the sacred site, potentially damaging the landscape and limiting access for worshippers.
In supporting declarations, Bishop Seitz and Bishop Michael Buerkel Hunn of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande joined Bishop Baldacchino in opposing the federal action, highlighting ecumenical concern over the site’s preservation.
Eminent domain proceedings advance
The dispute stems from a May 7 lawsuit filed by the federal government invoking eminent domain authority to take possession of the land, with compensation determined by its fair market value. On June 15, U.S. District Judge Kenneth J. Gonzales ordered that $183,071 be deposited as just compensation, a standard procedural step in such cases.
However, Gonzales made clear that the financial deposit does not resolve the broader dispute, stating that it would not affect the diocese’s right to challenge the seizure in court. The government has been given a July 3 deadline to respond to the diocese’s latest filing, with a hearing scheduled for July 23.
Stewardship and sacred responsibility
Beyond legal arguments, the diocese has stressed its responsibility as steward of the land. Church officials say a forced transfer would strip them of their ability to ensure that the site is used in accordance with Catholic teaching.
In its court response, the diocese also raised concerns about prior government actions in the area. It cited footage posted by U.S. Border Patrol showing an explosion on the mountain as evidence of what it described as a lack of respect for the site. Officials also noted that construction activities appear to have been authorized before legal title to the property was secured.
The diocese pointed to what it called the “irreparable damage” of another sacred site belonging to the O’odham tribes during border wall construction as a warning of potential consequences.
Bishop Baldacchino additionally argued that the seizure would place him in conflict with canon law, which requires Vatican approval and other safeguards before Church property can be sold or transferred. Those requirements, he said, would be bypassed under eminent domain.
A call to prayer
As the legal process unfolds, Church leaders are turning to public witness and prayer. Bishop Baldacchino said the June 28 pilgrimage is intended not only to affirm the significance of Mount Cristo Rey but also to entrust the outcome to both civil authorities and divine guidance.
“At this juncture, whether our Diocese will prevail rests in the hands of our courts and civil leaders,” he said, adding that participants would pray “for our government and its leaders” alongside intentions for the dioceses involved.
For the faithful gathering at the summit, the event represents both a spiritual tradition and a moment of collective response to a dispute that bridges questions of law, faith and national policy.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from OSV News
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