July 10, 2014

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Bishops of California today issued a statement on the arrival of displaced persons, mostly women and children, in Southern California.  I join with my brother bishops in recognizing the enormity of this humanitarian crisis and in asking for your prayers.  In particular, I ask that each parish include the intentions of these immigrants in the Universal Prayer/General Intercessions at Sunday and weekday Masses.  I also encourage parishes to offer other opportunities for prayer for all of those who are affected by these events.

I call your attention to a Prayer Vigil that is being hosted at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish tonight at 7:30 pm.

Quoting from the bishops’ statement, I want to emphasize the following three points regarding these immigrants:

  • We recognize our responsibility as a Church of compassion to come to their aid and help provide them with the practical and pastoral support they so need.
  • These children and families have journeyed to our country, fleeing violence and destitution in Central America. Sadly, their experience in California has thus far been marked by hostility and near chaos. They are exhausted, afraid and clinging to hope.
  • The gravity of this situation transcends politics; it is truly a humanitarian crisis that calls all of us, Catholics and others of good will, to respond with compassion and with urgent action.

May God bless the efforts of all who work on behalf of these children and families, and may the Lord move the hearts of those who are able to address a humanitarian crisis with humanitarian intervention.

 
 

With every best wish and kind regard,

Sincerely Yours,
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Patrick J. McGrath
Bishop of San Jose