Reflecting themes of hope and renewal, a new mural outside La Casa de Amistad, created with help from the University of Notre Dame, commemorates the emotional journey for people who immigrate to the U.S. in search of a better life and in response to violence, persecution and economic hardship back home.

Framing the south entrance to the center overlooking South Michigan Street in South Bend, the mural is a collaboration between La Casa and artist and educator Freddy Rodriguez, with input and assistance from students with the Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns (CSC).

Conceived as a triptych, or a single work of art divided into three parts, the mural juxtaposes the immigrant experience with that of the monarch butterfly, a symbol of solidarity with the immigrant rights movement. It includes references to past waves of immigration and the immigrant rights movement, as well as scenes and symbols of South Bend and the Southwest, and depicts men and women representing a diverse range of ages, races, cultures and faiths...

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