We are invited…“to look at the reality of our time, so clearly marked by the phenomenon of migration, as a decisive moment in history to reaffirm not only our faith in a God who is always close, incarnate, migrant and refugee, but also the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human person.” Letter of Pope Francis to United States Bishops
We advocate… “in support of vulnerable life…calling for the protection, welcome and adequate resettlement assistance for refugees and immigrants.” ASC Consistent Life Statement
We accompany… “this same passion [of Maria De Mattias for ‘our dear neighbor’ now impels each of us to be a compassionate and reconciling presence according to the example of Jesus in the Gospels.” ASC Consistent Life Statement
• Columbia area – Sister Margaret Washington meets at St. Anne’s with Vianka, a refugee from Guatemala for twice weekly English classes, which helped her get a job at a local department store. In addition, the gentle presence of Margaret accompanying Vianka has been a gift of support during these uncertain times. Sister Dani continues weekly volunteer time with the legal department of Church World Service/Lancaster, a resettlement organization for uprooted persons. This support is especially important as CWS has been heavily impacted by the funding challenges, with many programs suspended and staff placed on furlough. Messages of support and hope, along with information about Know Your Rights, have been shared with the immigrant families that have been connected with the sisters in Columbia over the past few years.
• Wichita area – Sister Becky Baltazar, who ministers with Dear Neighbor, shares concern for and with the neighbors around the facility who have been impacted by the country’s new attitude toward immigrants, especially as a local minister has been detained by ICE. Sister Janet Rowley shares that Newman University has instructed students on what to do if ICE searches for them; they are to notify administrators and not leave campus. Adorers are providing a compassionate presence in support of those challenged by fear and vulnerability in these times.
• St. Louis/Belleville area – Lucy Barragan, an ASC Associate and director of Hispanic ministry for the Belleville diocese has joined the efforts of the Immigration focus group. Her input has provided important information and connection with the Belleville diocese. Sister Kris Schrader volunteers with the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action Project (MICA) providing translation services for the lawyers helping immigrants with their legal status. Recently she has been assisting the most vulnerable as immigrants, fearful of deportation, set up power of attorney documents for the safety of their children who may be left behind. Jeff Stahlhut, US Region communications director, Sr. Regina Siegfried, and Sr. Kris Schrader, are ASC representatives to a local group of LCWR Region 10 that is working on a coordinated effort of women religious to support immigrants. The group is exploring ways to bring awareness to the immigration crisis and looking at “what is ours to do?” Implementation of concrete actions soon to start…be on the lookout! The US Region provided the funds to purchase 1,000 Know Your Rights cards, as well as covering the cost for IHELP to mail cards to all their students. Sister Regina helped sort through the many languages and stuff envelopes, so the students received the cards in their language. Sister Kris distributed Know Your Rights cards to businesses along Cherokee Street in the city where many Hispanic shops and restaurants are located. ASCs are on the move, adding our part to protect, support, and care for our ‘dear neighbor’ in many different ways.
• El Paso, Texas – Along with their daily activities of accompanying and advocating for and with immigrants in the borderlands, Srs. Darlene Stoecklein and Silvia Chacón participated in the March 24 vigil and rally, “Aquí Estamos: March and Vigil to Stand with Migrants” led by El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz, joined by many bishops and clergy including Cardinal Fabbio Baggio, undersecretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, along with hundreds of faithful who gathered to show immigrants they are not alone. Darlene shares that walking with those whose lives may be in danger raised a renewed consciousness within her, concerning the suffering of those immigrants living in fear. She shares it was a very powerful experience especially as she listened to Bishop Mark speak his strongest message ever.
• US Region – Many sisters, associates and sojourners joined the online national novena held March 14-22 with nine US bishops leading prayers and reflections for migrants and immigrants. With song, information, and support, the novena was hosted by the Bernardin Center at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and provided a means to gather together to pray with and for immigrants.
With hearts attentive to the life-giving Gift of Jesus’ Precious Blood, Adorers across the US Region have responded to this call to honor the dignity of every person and carry out actions to advocate and accompany immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. And as we know, “where there is one Adorer, we are all there.”