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Wisconsin Catholic Bishops Issue Statement on Federal Immigration Enforcement:
"On December 18, the Catholic bishops of Wisconsin released the following statement in English and Spanish:
We, the bishops of Wisconsin, reaffirm the recent special message by the United States bishops regarding ongoing federal immigration enforcement. Immigration is a profoundly complex issue. On the one hand, the Catholic Church naturally upholds a country’s right to maintain its borders and regulate its entry and citizenship processes... On the other hand, the Catholic Church urges countries and peoples to compassionately assist our brothers and sisters who emigrate because of war, violence, poverty, and hunger. We can embrace these two principles in unity. There is no inherent contradiction in upholding human dignity, the common good, and the rule of law."
Chicago's Archbishop weighs in on a year of immigration enforcement, VPM NPR News:
"I think we have to have a very strong voice to encourage [immigrants] that they're not alone in this moment. And that is something the bishops wanted to convey in the statement that they had. How do we convey a sense of advocacy on their behalf, letting them know that they're not alone?"
Fresno Catholic Bishop Joseph Brennan’s Case For Human Dignity Amid Immigration Actions, KVPR NPR News:
"A major role [of the Church]... is accompaniment, is being with the people, letting them know we're here for them... If someone is detained, we're here to be of service to them, to their children, their families... We have 87 [parishes] that are willing and able to help because we have people who are vulnerable in every one of those locations."
California bishops celebrate 'very powerful' Mass for detainees in ICE facility, OSV News:
"'You are not alone,' said Rojas, who was recently appointed as a member to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration. 'We support you, we pray for you and your families. We want to see how you are doing.' His comments were met with a loud 'Muchas gracias!' from one of the detainees. The bishop smiled and shouted back, 'De nada!'"
Minnesota bishop leads prayer service after ICE detention of parent of Catholic school student, OSV News:
"Across the street from the B.H. Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, people gathered with paintings of Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day, Dec. 12, for a special prayer service for those detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
Vigil outside ICE headquarters honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, offers prayers for immigrants, OSV News:
"A prayer service outside the Washington headquarters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, paid homage to Mary as the patroness of the Americas and showed support for “our immigrant brothers and sisters,” organizers told OSV News."
New Orleans church holds candlelight prayer vigil for those affected by ICE raids, OSV News:
"Amid immigration raids in Louisiana, dozens gathered at a New Orleans church for a candlelight vigil, praying for both those detained and for law enforcement officials. The Dec. 9 service was held at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans, located on the campus of Loyola University."
Chicago priest concludes 57-day walking pilgrimage to New York for immigrants’ plight, OSV News:
"A Chicago priest completed a 900-mile walk from Chicago’s south suburbs to New York City Dec. 2 to highlight the difficulties immigrant families are facing under the current immigration crackdown across the United States."
Maryknoll Advent Reflection Guide, Walking With God 2025:
"In this Advent Reflection Guide, we offer reflections, questions, prayers, and actions based on each week’s Scripture readings in light of Catholic social teaching and Maryknoll mission experience. Use this guide individually or in small groups to reflect upon your life, to pray, and to renew your spirit"
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