The bishops of the United States are urging Catholics to dedicate Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to prayer for the plight of immigrants and refugees, according to a statement from the U.S. bishops’ conference.
“As Christmas approaches, and especially on this feast of Our Lady, we are reminded of how our savior Jesus Christ was not born in the comfort of his own home, but rather in an unfamiliar manger,” said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and newly elected president of the conference. “To all those families separated and far from home in uncertain times, we join with you in a prayer for comfort and joy this Advent season.”
Catholics are invited to offer prayers wherever they may be, particularly the rosary.
“So many families are wondering how changes to immigration policy might impact them,” added Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, and vice-president of the conference. “We want them to know the Church is with them, offers prayers on their behalf, and is actively monitoring developments at the diocesan, state, and national levels to be an effective advocate on their behalf.”
Photo caption: Our Lady of Guadalupe feast day events and procession Dec. 14, 2014 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Denver. Photo by Dan Petty/Denver Catholic