Las Cruces, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Catholic leaders from southern New Mexico and West Texas are inviting worshippers to participate in a pilgrimage to Mt. Cristo Rey on Sunday, saying the event is intended as a prayer for the church and religious freedom as the shrine remains at the center of a dispute with the federal government.

Bishop Peter Baldacchino of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces and Bishop Mark Seitz of the Roman Catholic Diocese of El Paso are calling on clergy and members of both dioceses to attend the pilgrimage, scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Participants will gather at the parking lot at 1 Cristo Rey Road before processing up the mountain, where Baldacchino will celebrate Mass.

The event comes as the Diocese of Las Cruces continues to oppose the U.S. government’s efforts to acquire land associated with the Mt. Cristo Rey Shrine for border wall construction. Diocese officials argue the project would threaten the integrity of the historic religious site and interfere with the free exercise of religion.

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This pilgrimage is not against the government, against a policy or anything else,” Baldacchino said in a statement. “It is for the Church; it is for unity and it is for religious freedom.

The bishop also described Mt. Cristo Rey as a place where generations of people from the border region have gathered in faith.

“For nearly a century, the people of this region have come to this mountain, the people’s mountain, in faith and humility… to seek Christ the King,” he said.

Department of Homeland Security Sec. Mullin said DHS has worked with the New Mexico senators regarding Mt. Cristo Rey.

“As far as the site which are discussing, we have already worked on this. We have a gate that’s going to be available for those that are trying to come in from Mexico’s side to build and make the pillage to the site. The site itself will not be disrupted where the wall is going to be at. I mean, it’s you’re going to be able to see it, but it’s not going to be close. But we’re working with that sensitive area the best we can, but we can’t leave it open because it is a high traffic area. It is a visited site, so we do have to control the flow coming in and out so there’s not there’s not criminal activity taking place at the same time. But we have we’ve worked closely with the senators in the area,” said Mullin.

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Auxiliary Bishop Anthony C. Celino of the Diocese of El Paso is also expected to participate in the pilgrimage, joining Baldacchino in inviting Catholics from both dioceses to attend.

Church officials say they have repeatedly urged federal authorities to pursue border security measures that respect constitutional protections for religious institutions and private property.

“Faith communities have long served the border region through ministry, charity, and accompaniment,” Deacon Jim Winder said in a statement. “We remain committed to promoting justice, compassion, and the common good while protecting the sanctity of Mt. Cristo Rey for future generations.”

Mt. Cristo Rey, located along the New Mexico-Texas border, has served as a destination for religious pilgrimages for decades and is home to the iconic statue of Christ overlooking the region.

The June 28 pilgrimage is open to clergy and members of the public who wish to participate in prayer for the church and religious freedom.

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