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On a daily basis, we witness the inhumane treatment of our immigrant sisters and brothers. Individuals and families are experiencing enormous hardships due to violent apprehension, displacement, detention and family separation.
On Nov. 13, members of Pax Christi Maine from various Catholic parishes and members of other Christian churches participated in a Prayer Vigil as part of The One Church One Family: Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants national campaign. The vigil was held outside of the Cumberland County Jail in Portland where over 60 immigrants are being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Standing in solidarity with immigrants is not a political action. For Christian disciples, it is a Gospel mandate! The teachings of Jesus unequivocally call us to welcome the stranger; to love our neighbors; to uplift the oppressed and most vulnerable among us.
We are encouraged by a pastoral message recently issued by U.S. Catholic bishops on the treatment of immigrants in this country. People of faith must raise their voices for justice and mercy. Pope Leo XIV recently stated, “The Church cannot stay silent before injustice. You stand with me, and I stand with you.”
Mary Ellen Quinn
Co-Coordinator
Pax Christi Maine
Winterport