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January
2003
A Letter to Migrants
Dear
Sisters and Brothers:
In a spirit
of fraternal care and solidarity, we, the bishops of Mexico and the
United States, have issued a Pastoral Letter addressing our concern for
those who have to leave their homes and migrate to another country to
provide the necessities of life for themselves and their families. Our
pastoral solicitude reaches out to all who are pilgrims in this world,
since we all journey together to the Kingdom that awaits us. As
Christians we must support each other in the challenges and daily
difficulties we encounter in this life.
The
difficulties you encounter as migrants are many. If you migrate to
become a permanent resident in another country, the culture and language
adjustment will be challenging. If you migrate on a temporary basis for
work, with or without immigration documents, your work will be difficult
and your very lives and safety may sometimes face danger. We cannot
help but recognize your plight at these times; and so, as teachers of
the faith and promoters of justice in the world, we speak directly to
you. The burden is heavy on your backs. We want to lighten the
burden. We have challenged both of our nations to recognize your
inherent human rights and dignity and to acknowledge the tremendous
contributions you make to the economic, cultural, and spiritual
advancement of both nations. We have also challenged our governments to
pursue more just and fair treatment of all migrants.
We hope
that our words, our challenges and warnings can be turned into effective
change in existing laws and immigration systems in ways that protect
your rights and dignity as God’s children. We pledge to do all that is
in our power to provide responsive pastoral care so that, although you
may be in a foreign land, you will always find a home in every Catholic
Church and that you will be welcomed fully into the spiritual life of
the Church no matter where you are.
We invoke
the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Church in
America, which includes many nations, many people, but remains one in
faith, hope and love. May you and your families always experience Our
Lady’s maternal presence and love during your journey.
With
prayers for a safe journey and spiritual fulfillment, we are
Yours in
Christ,
Most
Reverend Thomas Wenski
Auxiliary
Bishop of Miami
Chairman,
Committee
on Migration
United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Most Reverend Renato Ascencio Leon
Obispo de Ciudad Juárez y Presidente de la
Comisión Episcopal para la Pastoral de la
Movilidad Humana
Conferencia del Episcopado Mexicano |
