from our Bishop...

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

I hope that this Lenten journey with Christ has been both prayerful and hopeful as we approach Jesus’ Resurrection.

 

In my homily on the Day of my Installation, January 30, 2007, in my Litany of Dreams/Visions, I listed as one of these dreams “That we can accept new immigrants as God accepts us all.”  Our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, stated in his post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in America:”

 

The question of immigrants

In its history, America has experienced many immigrations, as waves of men and women came to its various regions in the hope of a better future.  The phenomenon continues even today, especially with many people and families from Latin American countries who have moved to the northern parts of the continent, to the point where in some cases they constitute a substantial part of the population.  They often bring with them a cultural and religious heritage, which is rich in Christian elements.  The Church is well aware of the problems created by this situation and is committed to spare no effort in developing her own pastoral strategy among these immigrant people, in order to help them settle in their new land and to foster a welcoming attitude among the local population, in the belief that a mutual openness will bring enrichment to all.

 

Church communities will not fail to see in this phenomenon a specific call to live an evangelical fraternity and at the same time a summons to strengthen their own religious spirit with a view to a more penetrating evangelization.   With this in mind, migrants should be met with a hospitable and welcoming attitude which can encourage them to become part of the Church’s life, always with due regard for their freedom and their specific cultural identity.

(“Ecclesia in America”, Para 65 John Paul II,

Post-synodal exhortation January 22, 1999.)

 

I realize how sensitive and controversial this issue has become in our nation and in our state, especially after our many recent raids.  However, beyond being a political issue, it is primarily an issue of humanity, God’s family.

 

As Joseph and Mary sought shelter for their child, our Savior to be born, so many have come to this nation seeking home and employment, as did my grandparents.  As Christian people our response should be one of “welcoming” and gratitude for the richness of their gifts.

 

This Holy Week I ask you, our dear Faithful and friends, to take some special time to pray for a just and speedy resolution to this situation of immigration in our nation and in our state. I strongly believe that our collective prayer will make a difference in finding the best and most just solution to the present impasse’ in our Federal and State governments.

 

I invite you to visit one of our churches, make a visit before the Blessed Sacrament, say an extra Rosary, some devotional prayers, the Stations of the Cross and remember our present immigrants who have suffered and continue to suffer because of so many unjust and I would daresay, illegal conduct on the part of others who abuse or maltreat them.

 

Recall Jesus’ words about the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of St. Luke, as the Samaritan cared for the injured man “which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim? “And the scholar of the law answered Jesus: “The one who treated him with mercy.” And Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise.”  Thus Jesus tears down walls and does not build them.  Jesus tells us, Followers of Christ today, “Go, and do likewise.”  Show mercy and compassion for all are Children of God.  In God’s eyes all persons are God’s children and never to be branded “illegal”; for no child of God could ever be considered “illegal.”

 

Join with me then to pray during this Holy Week, the most sacred of our Liturgical Year, to urge our elected representatives to work for a comprehensive and just immigration reform.

 

May Our God of Mercy and Compassion, who cares for the Holy Migrant Family of Joseph, Mary and our Savior, Jesus, bless you.

 

 

 

Most Reverend Richard J. Garcia, D.D.

Bishop of Monterey