The Los Angeles Archdiocese's annual procession in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe will be part of a statewide call for action on comprehensive immigration reform issued by the California Catholic Conference of Bishops, three Los Angeles auxiliary bishops declared Nov. 27.

"Four hundred and seventy-six years ago, the Virgin of Guadalupe delivered her message of compassion, of hope, and unity. That message is needed more than ever now at a time when immigrants face so many difficulties and injustices," said Auxiliary Bishop of Ethnic Ministries Oscar Solis during a morning press conference at Resurrection Church in East Los Angeles.

The theme of this year's Dec. 2 procession is "Mother Without Borders: Bringing Down the Wall of Injustice."

"One more time I ask all our brothers and sisters in Los Angeles to listen to the message of Our Lady, Our Holy Mother, the Virgin of Guadalupe," said San Pedro Region Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar. "She calls us to respect one another and to unite against injustice that exists in our immigration system and the injustices endured by many families."

The bishops are asking all Catholics and all people of California to reject hostile attitudes towards immigrants, added San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala.

Some 100 elementary school students from Resurrection Church were on hand. Among them was Esther Mares, 13, whose Mexican-born mother was deported when Esther was four years old. Her father has since been detained crossing the border in Arizona.

"For me it's really sad," said Esther. "It's very difficult to live without your parents." The young girl was born in the U.S. and now lives with her aunt and 17-year-old brother. "It's not fair to separate families who love each other," she told The Tidings.

The California Catholic Conference of Bishops issued a Nov. 27 statement acknowledging the "right and the necessity of our country to maintain our borders and enforce our laws." The statement also urges respect for human rights and dignity as well as minimizing the separation of families.

"In our view," the statement continues, "[undocumented immigrants] should be given the opportunity to adjust their legal status and to earn the right to remain in the country permanently and legally. We ought not to benefit from the fruits of their labor, on one hand, and relegate them to an underclass on the other."

The bishops are continuing to call for comprehensive and humane immigration reform.

Thousands of Catholic faithful from diverse ethnic communities will gather for the one-mile procession in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at La Soledad Church at 4561 Cesar Chavez Ave. in East Los Angeles Dec. 2. The festive celebration includes mariachi music, dance, song and ethnic costumes.

The procession will end with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Roger Mahony, auxiliary bishops and priests at the East Los Angeles College Stadium, 1301 Cesar Chavez Ave. in Monterey Park beginning at 1:30 p.m. Following the liturgy the faithful will be able to venerate the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe with roses. Those who are unable to walk in the procession can go directly to the stadium for prayer and a musical program prior to the liturgy.