September 22, 2019 - "USCCB Statement Regarding Refugee Admissions"

On September 13, 2019 Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, issued a statement in anticipation of the reported recommendation of Administration officials to the White House that the number of refugee admissions for the next year be fewer than 30,000 refugees.  Here is what the statement said:
 
“Further reductions in the number of refugees allowed to seek freedom in the United States would be wholly counter to our values as a nation of immigrants.  America welcomes refugees; that is who we are, that is what we do.  Such reductions would undermine America’s leadership role as a global champion and protector of religious freedom and human rights.  Beginning with European refugees in the aftermath of World War I, the Catholic Church in the United States has more than a century of experience resettling vulnerable populations to a safer life and one in which they have contributed to the greatness of America.  The 3.4 million refugees that America has welcomed since 1975 have paid billions of dollars in taxes, founded companies, earned citizenship, and bought homes at notably high rates.”
 
“As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 29 ^th, we are reminded of Pope Francis urging us all to work for a ‘globalization of solidarity’ with refugees, not a globalization of indifference’. In light of refugees’ extraordinary contributions to our country, and of the world’s struggle with the greatest forced displacement crisis on record and historic highs in religious persecution, we categorically oppose any further reductions in the refugee resettlement program.”
 
You may be surprised to know that the Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for many different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for the challenges and increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.
 
In 2019, the World Day will be celebrated on September 29th. Pope Francis has chosen the theme “It is not just about migrants” to show up our blind-spots and make sure no one remains excluded from society, whether a long-time resident or someone newly-arrived.
 
I want to close my column today by printing here the Prayer for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2019:

Prayer for the World Day of Migrants & Refugees 2019
 
Lord Jesus, you call us to welcome the members of God’s family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence, and war.  Like your disciples, we too are filled with fear and doubt and even suspicion.  We build barriers in our hearts and in our minds.  Lord Jesus, help us by your grace,
· To banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our brother and sister;
· To welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, while responding to their needs;
· To realize that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice;
· To share of our abundance as you spread a banquet before us;
· To give witness to your love for all people, as we celebrate the many gifts they bring.
 
We pray that you protect migrants on their journey, and that [you] give them your divine protection and shield them from evil.  We ask that you open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality for those who come in search of refuge, so that we might welcome them as one of our own.
 
We pray this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.  Amen.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John