This week's archdiocesan Mass in honor of National Migration Week is part of a new national effort spearheaded by the U.S. bishops in support of comprehensive immigration reform, and in opposition to a recently passed House of Representatives bill that would impose severe penalties on churches serving undocumented immigrants.
The archdiocesan Mass to celebrate National Migration Week will take place January 14 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels at 10 a.m. It will officially launch a three-year effort in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to educate and organize Catholic voters and to advocate on behalf of immigrants and refugees.
The U.S bishops are strongly opposed to a border-security bill (H.R. 4437) which packs in other provisions in addition to border security. Among them would be the requirement that churches and social service organizations verify the legal immigration status of every person served. The bill imposes significant penalties upon any person assisting undocumented immigrants, including up to five years in prison and the seizure of assets.
"While I am surely in favor of taking appropriate government action to protect the borders of our country, not every action step is feasible or advisable," wrote Cardinal Roger Mahony in a letter to President George Bush on Dec. 30.
"In effect, priests, ministers, rabbis and others involved in various Church-related activities will be forced to become 'quasi-immigration enforcement officials,'" the cardinal continued. "It is staggering for the federal government to stifle our spiritual and pastoral outreach to the poor, and to impose penalties for doing what our faith demands of us."
The cardinal concluded by asking the president to use his personal leadership to oppose any "repressive --- and impossible --- aspects of any immigration reform efforts."
The Jan. 14 liturgy is being organized by the archdiocesan Office of Ethnic Ministry, and Cardinal Mahony will serve as main celebrant.
Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Solis will head the local multi-year effort with a steering committee that includes the participation of several parishes, Mount St. Mary's College and numerous archdiocesan offices including Catholic Charities, Justice and Peace, Synod, Religious Education, Vicar for Women Religious, and Vicar for Clergy.
"The solidarity of the church is with the poor and with immigrants fleeing poverty, social and unjust structures and oppressive systems," Bishop Solis told The Tidings. "We're not promoting illegal entry into the United States, but consideration for those here already and the unity of families."
Congressional leaders have acknowledged for some time the need for reforming the country's patchwork of immigration laws that can mean legal immigrants wait years to be reunited with family members. Immigration reform could move to reduce the backlog.
Lawmakers also want to focus on further securing U.S. borders from those entering illegally. Others advocate for a temporary worker program or a process of legalization for undocumented workers.
Bishop Solis said the bishops are adding their support to Senate Bill 1033 authored by Senators John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. and its counterpart in the House (H.R. 2330) which offers a more compassionate and comprehensive approach towards immigration reform.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Migration and Refugee Services is calling the national campaign "Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope." This Catholic campaign for immigration reform is intended to increase awareness and education of immigration issues, including specific proposed legislation, and to provide support for immigrants and refugees living in the country. Parishes are encouraged to visit the web site: www.justiceforimmigrants.org. The Jan. 14 liturgy at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will be followed by a festival of cultures, including entertainment with cultural/religious and food booths at the Los Angeles County Mall located across the street from the south side of the Cathedral. For more information, contact the archdiocesan Office of Ethnic Ministry at (213) 637-7356. |