By Elena Macias
The Diocese of San Bernardino, in collaboration with the Dioceses of Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange, began National Migration Week by celebrating the annual Mass in Recognition of all Immigrants on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown Los Angeles.
About 80 parishioners from five of the six vicariates of the Diocese proudly processed into the Cathedral. The Mass was intended to gather in prayer and service for immigrants and refugees. The Mass also recognized those present who are involved in advocacy and justice for immigrants at their local parish or diocese. The keynote speaker was Dr. Oliver Lopez, who told his story of being a former undocumented immigrant and his journey to become an assistant professor of mathematics at Chapman University.
“For our diocese, people went there expecting to celebrate a Mass, but people came out of there wanting to find out how to get involved,” said Wilfredo Aguirre, Director of the Diocesan Office of Advocacy and Justice for Immigrants. “And I think that’s a beautiful part of that experience, people were not aware of not just of what was going on, but how involved we were as a diocese.”
The Catholic Church in the United States observed National Migration Week from September 18-24. For over 40 years, the Church has acknowledged National Migration Week as a time to educate ourselves on the challenges facing migrants and refugees impacted by forced displacement and what we as Catholics can do to renew our commitment to building a just and inclusive world.
National Migration Week in the U.S. concluded on the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) with the theme: “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay.” WDMR was established by the Holy See over 100 years ago and is commemorated by Catholics across the globe.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at the end of 2022, 108.4 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing public order. This represents an increase of 19 million people compared to the end of 2021, the largest ever increase between years according to UNHCR’s statistics on forced displacement.
Pope Francis acknowledged in his 2023 World Day of Migrants and Refugees Message that the decision to migrate should always be free, yet in many cases, it is not.
“Migrants flee because of poverty, fear or desperation,” Pope Francis said. “Eliminating these causes and thus putting an end to forced migration calls for shared commitment on the part of all, in accordance with the responsibilities of each. This commitment begins with asking what we can do, but also what we need to stop doing. We need to make every effort to halt the arms race, economic colonialism, the plundering of other people’s resources and the devastation of our common home.”
According to Justice for Immigrants, one of the best ways to get involved is to educate oneself and understand the systemic factors that contribute to forced migration, such as political instability, economic inequality and persecution. Through advocacy, education, and charitable works, Catholic faithful can work to create a world where individuals and families are free to choose whether to migrate or stay in their homelands. By addressing these issues, we can help create the conditions for people to live in safety and dignity, regardless of where they call home.
For any questions you might have regarding National Migration Week or how you can get involved at your local parish please call 909-475-5351 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also read this year’s Justice for Immigrants letter to learn more. You can volunteer or donate to Catholic Charities San Bernardino-Riverside or the Galilee Center who help aid migrants in our diocese.
The Office of Advocacy and Justice for Immigrants recognizes the participation of Rev. Duong Nguyen, S.V.D. and Sr. Mary Chilee Okoko, DMMM. As well as the vicariate leaders that helped coordinate the involvement for the Immigrant Mass: Sandra Gonzalez & Maria Eva Hernandez (Sacred Heart Parish), Rev. Leonard D. De Pasquale, I.M.C. & Carolina Osuna (St. Bernadin Parish); Veronica Olvera (Holy Family); and Benito & Juan Torres Rodrigues (St. Francis de Sales Parish).
Elena Macias is the Managing Editor of the Inland Catholic BYTE.