In a message to the faithful released on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Bishop Alberto Rojas implored local Catholics to view the immigration crisis as “first a matter compassion, mercy and Christian love.”
The bishop’s message comes amid growing fear and anxiety in the immigrant community following the Nov. 5 election of Donald Trump as the nation’s next president. During his campaign, President-elect Trump stated that his administration would move swiftly to deport the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. and utilize aggressive enforcement tactics in that effort.
In addition to the episcopal message, diocesan ministry leaders have convened several meetings to outline plans for supporting and accompanying immigrants during the new presidential administration. Diocesan leaders gathered with representatives of advocacy groups including the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), TODEC Legal Center, and San Bernardino Community Services Center. Catholic Charities San Bernardino and Riverside Counties also joined the discussion.
“The Church must be the steady hand in the middle of the storm to quell the uncertainty, fear, and anxiety felt by our immigrant brothers and sisters,” said Wil Aguirre, Director of Advocacy and Justice for Immigrants for the diocese, who went on to reference the Gospel of Matthew. “It must confidently say to them, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid (Mt.14:27).’
Several of the groups are prepared and have begun to offer “know your rights” workshops in parishes as a first step in the diocesan response. In two different meetings with priests of the diocese in November and December Bishop Rojas expressed that he would like to see these workshops offered in as many parishes as possible.
Another effort that grew out of these early meetings was the formation of rapid response ministries at the parish and vicariate levels. These ministries will be led by a group of deacons and include parish lay ministers. They will focus on critical response ministry to those who have been the target of enforcement actions. A minimum of one rapid response ministry in each of the six vicariates of the diocese is the goal of the diocese.
“People are coming here because they fear for their lives,” says Deacon Octavio Echevarria, who will coordinate the rapid response ministry in the San Bernardino Vicariate. “We need to care for them and help them in whatever way we can.”
Deacon Echevarria said he is glad to see the deacons taking a leading role in the immigration response effort because they are both clergy and connected to lives of everyday people through their family experience.
Bishop Rojas also encouraged priests to voice pastoral support for frightened immigrant communities in homilies and other opportunities for public statements. The entirety of Bishop Rojas’ Dec. 12 statement reads as follows:
Dear friends, peace and wellbeing to you and your families.
There is fear among our immigrant communities following last month’s presidential election.
To our immigrant brothers and sisters, please know that the Catholic Church is with you. We are aware of your sufferings, your fears, and your disappointments. Our parishes are places of help, refuge, and accompaniment.
Let us together keep the light of hope as we walk through these dark times.
The Lord teaches us in Matthew’s Gospel that our faith and love for Him will be measured by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. Can we recognize Jesus’ face in our migrant brothers and sisters?
Many are concerned about legality and safety at the border, and that’s understandable. But our Church has always been a strong voice for a comprehensive immigration reform for those who have been here for many years.
And the crisis for us is first a matter of compassion, mercy and Christian love.
In this time of Advent and Christmas, let us remember that the Holy Family was also on a journey of migration. Saint Jospeh, the blessed Mother Mary and baby Jesus had to endure many hardships and leave their own country to protect and save their family.
May the Holy Family intercede for you; and let us continue to pray for justice and respect for all human life.
Thank you and may God bless you!