Details: This experience through New Mexico and El Paso Interfaith Power and Light introduces people of faith and conscience to frontline communities, to the land and waters, and to the extensive oil and gas industry in Southeast NM Permian Basin. The Permian Basin spans Southwest Texas and Southeast New Mexico and is the largest productive oil and gas basin in the world. The Immersion Pilgrimage this fall joins other faith communities making various pilgrimages around the country during the Season of Creation.
This time integrates a community experience that is guided and includes being with the land, with communities, time for reflection, prayers, sharing and an opportunity to commit to solidarity engagement and action. Information contact Sr. Joan Brown,osf at joankansas@swcp.com. Space is limited. Deadline to register September 10, 2025, but sooner is better.
Logistics: People carpool from their location to Carlsbad Caverns to begin the experience. In the Permian meals, housing, and guidance are taken care of. Transportation will be carpooling in the Permian. A donation of $100 is requested to help defray expenses; however, no one is turned away for lack of funds. Accommodations and food will be simple. We will need to know if you have food restrictions that are medical related. Persons are responsible for their own physical well-being and must sign a waiver which will be provided with registration.
Schedule: (subject to changes as needed)
Thursday, September 25: Arrive at 1 pm at Carlsbad Caverns to experience this Cathedral of the Earth. You will walk in the Carlsbad Caverns to experience the underground Earth beauty and wonder, a contrast the extractavism taking place on the surface. The group then drives to a nearby natural area for prayer and reflection. Dinner together and an overview of the area and oil and gas extraction with time for reflection and prayer.
Friday, September 26:
Breakfast and opening of the day, prayerful ritual and sharing and then visiting sites in Permian to be determined. This might be in the area of Carlsbad, Jal, or Hobbs. We will meet with community members and be on the ground in the oil and gas field and if possible experience technology to detect methane pollution and what we can do. Snack and lunch provided. The evening includes dinner and meeting with community members in Carlsbad.
Return to Carlsbad for dinner and sharing.
Saturday March 27:
Opening reflection and breakfast. Sharing of experiences, conversation about what actions might be taken and commitments in solidarity, followed by closing prayerful ceremony. Leave Carlsbad by about 11 am.
