Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My thoughts are with our immigrant brothers and sisters in a special way as we reflect on the events of the past week. Like you, I have been heartbroken at the news of the tragic June 28 deaths of 51 people in San Antonio, Texas who were victims of an immigration system lacking in compassion and care for the human person. We pray for their eternal rest, and we pray that God will comfort those loved ones they left behind.
We feel the pain in solidarity with those directly affected by this tragedy, we resist indifference to the suffering and loss of precious lives before us. This, too, is a “life” issue. It reminds us once again of the peril that confronts those men, women and children who undertake the journey of migration to seek a better life for themselves and their families. I invite all the Catholic faithful to join in solidarity and support for Justice for Immigrants. May we take steps to secure their journey of migration, including advocating to our government leaders for more humane conditions on their way.
We received some good news on this front with the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 30 ruling in the Biden v. Texas case that paves the way for ending the inhumane and damaging so-called “Remain in Mexico” policy that was enacted under the
previous presidential administration. This policy has led to prolonged separation of families and put brothers and sisters in unhealthy and dangerous living conditions as they await a hearing for political asylum in the United States.
I am proud of our diocese’s record of compassionate and steadfast service to the immigrant community, including those asylum seekers who have come to our communities. Let us continue to model the words of our Lord in Matthew’s Gospel when he said, “for I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
In Christ,
Bishop Alberto Rojas