Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Julia Hennessy, originally from Louisville, made a significant life change when she left her career in Boston's hospitality industry to work at the U.S.-Mexico border. From August to December 2024, Hennessy volunteered at the St. Francis Xavier Migrant Shelter in El Paso, Texas. The shelter is managed by priests of the Augustinians of the Assumption and provides transitional support to migrant families.

Hennessy's decision to volunteer came after a friend's father suggested the opportunity. Despite having no background in migration services or strong political views on border issues, she felt called to serve. "Everything just worked out. It was a test in trusting the Lord," she said.

At the shelter, Hennessy assisted migrants arriving from government-run holding facilities. She noted that most were documented families from Central and South America escaping cartel violence. Her role involved helping them understand their location and assisting with logistics like buying tickets or arranging money transfers due to theft during their journey.

The shelter offered essentials such as clothing, food, and toiletries while providing temporary refuge for up to three days. Many migrants shared harrowing stories of violence encountered on their way to the U.S., including kidnapping and murder by cartels.

Hennessy highlighted that witnessing these struggles firsthand removed political considerations from her service: "When you look at all of these mothers trying to save their families, I felt like I was loving people as Jesus would."

Now back in Louisville working in hospitality again, Hennessy reflects on how her experience has reshaped her perspective on serving others through her profession: "Hospitality can become a ministry when it’s done for Christ."