On Thursday, thousands of people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, Spain's small enclave on the North African coast, most of them swimming around the border barrier at Tarajal beach. At least 15 people drowned in the attempt, and bodies were seen in the water where the fence meets the sea. Among the crowds coming ashore, wet and exhausted, were families with women and small children. Behind every crossing is a person desperate enough to risk the open sea. Dozens have already died on this route this year, and each one is mourned by a family. We pray for those who were lost and the loved ones who grieve them, for the men, women and children now seeking shelter, and for the divers, coastguard crews, aid workers and volunteers caring for the survivors — may compassion meet them all.