Mary Mother of Jesus Inclusive Catholic Community Acts to Support Proposed Federal Immigration Reform Policy

On October 7, 2013 25 members of St. Andrew United Church of Christ, the Manasota Chapter of Pax Christi and MMOJ Inclusive Catholic Community gathered for a pot luck supper in the fellowship hall of St. Andrew UCC. Michael Rigdon, married priest partner of MMOJ led the grace. After our pot luck dinner and wonderful desserts, James Martin immigration attorney and member of MMOJ gave an update on the state of immigration policy in the US.

 

Jim was honest in his appraisable of US policy as it is written and enforced, “It is immoral and inexcusable.” He thought realistically, with the politics of today, passing comprehensive immigration reform “will be impossible.”  The Democrats want a path to citizenship for immigrants already here; the Republicans want to secure the border and stronger law enforcement.  Jim also spoke of the “browning of America” (immigrants of color) and how whites will become a minority by 2050.  He argued that white politicians will do everything possible to remain in power in perpetuity.

 

We included are evening with questions for Jim and a prayer led by Russ Banner of MPC. Our refrain to the closing litany was “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  Our last petition, “A new national immigration policy should support communities to help new arrivals integrate into the local economy and cultural life.  May our faith perspective lead us to be involved where we can in welcoming the stranger into our community and nation.”   Jim gave out handouts American Immigration Council’s A guide to S. 744: Understanding the Senate Immigration bill. See www.immigrationpolicy.org and AILA’s Take on House Immigration Reform. Contact Jim at jim@jgmimmigration.com

 

On October 14 Members of Mary Mother of Jesus participated in a prayer vigil and march from Sacred Heart Church in Tampa to the Federal building a block away.  Over a 1000 people attended and marched and the church crowd overflowed onto the street.  Bishop Lynch from the St. Petersburg Diocese led the prayers and gave a short homily comparing immigrants to the fleeing of Joseph, Mary and Jesus into Egypt and their return when it was safe.

 

Theresa and Roman Rodriquez, Katy Zatsick, ARCWP and Russ Banner from Manasota Pax Christi participated in the prayer vigil and march.  Roman writes, “On Monday, when people throughout our nation were celebrating Columbus Day by going to their nearby shopping mall, Theresa and I joined a march for immigration reform.  A bus caravan from Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wimauma took a number of parishioners to Sacred Heart Church in Tampa for a prayerful celebration and march to the nearby Federal building.  It was a moving experience to join with Bishop Robert Lynch, priests, religious nuns, Anglos, African Americans, and an avalanche of Hispanics (both undocumented or U.S. Citizens) who were praying for our political leaders to pass legislation that will not disrupt families by deporting them back to their native countries.  I pray that God will hear the voice of the poor.”

 

Theresa adds, Sacred Heart Church was filled to capacity and more, when the team of walkers came up its aisle amidst loud clapping. The team, led by Fr. Carlos Rojas, the new priest and administrator of Our Lady of Guadalupe parish.  He had walked with the team from Orlando, Florida, stopping at parishes along the way, and completing the last lap on Monday from Brandon to the Tampa church.  The moments that come to mind being the most moving, was the singing and praying in unison in the church, both in English and Spanish, the words of Bishop Lynch, in both languages, and the walk in the dark towards the Federal Building. the marchers singing peacefully all together.  My only regret is that the walk took place in the evening where there were few people around to witness it. and that it took place at a time when all attention was on the Congress' inability to come together for the American people.”

 

We are proud and thankful that members of MMOJ joined with others for equality and justice. Let us rededicate ourselves to supporting a fair immigration policy for those seeking economic and social justice in America.  Let us make ourselves heard in the political process for justice and peace.