Mexican immigrants embroider table cloths, linens for Pope Francis visit

YONKERS (WABC) -- Preparing for Pope Francis' visit has been a massive undertaking and a labor of love for many volunteers.

From carpenters to audio-visual experts to the emroiderers making table cloths to be used at papal events, there were plenty of jobs to go around.

And one group of local ladies used their talents to make the pope's visit special.

They are immigrants from Mexico, some of whom are not even Catholic. But Catholic Charties has been there for them just the same, helping to support their efforts to become citizens. And now, they are giving back the best way they know how.

In a elementary school gym in Yonkers, they did what they belive is God's work.

"The pope is the most important person in the Catholic church," volunteer Ignacia Gonzalez said. "He guides us worshippers. It's the Hispanic pope too. It's the first Hispanic pope that I might meet. I feel overcome by emotion and the fact that I am collaborating in making something for when he comes."

Gonzalez never dreamed when she came to the US from Mexico that one day she would meet the pope. But that impossible meeting is now a reality after she volunteered to help about 15 other immigrants embroider table cloths and linens to be used for his visit.

All of the women are giving back to a church that has offered them a helping hand in their transition to the US through Catholic Charities

"Having them be a part of something that is so big and that puts a light on the immigrant community, for them means the world," Catholic Charities Esmeralda Hoscoy said.

Immigrants hold a special place in the heart of Pope Francis, and during his trip to New York, he is blessing about 150 local immigrants in person. And even those who are not Catholic are still very touched by the visit.

"I feel a lot of emotion, because we are embroidering something that Pope Francis will use for the ceremony or meal he will be part of," volunteer Chrispina Marin said. "It's a privilege for me and an honor."

The finely-detailed table cloths and linens will be used at the pope's visit in East Harlem and for the alter at the Madison Square Garden Mass.

"It's a really big blessing that my coworkers and I have been given the honor to do this," volunteer Elvira Esquivel said.

They say by having their work showcased in such a grand manner, it will help put a voice to their story.