Let us pray for the “strangers”
Pope St. John Paul II spoke and wrote significantly about the pastoral response required by immigrants and those seeking asylum. He based his teachings in the text of Matthew 25:35 – “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.” Pope Francis, with equal persuasiveness and credibility, has tried to raise the consciousness of the world’s people to the plight of the refugee and migrant. On World Day of Migrants and Refugees this past September, he said: “In the light of what we have learned in the tribulations of recent times, we are called to renew our commitment to building a future that conforms ever more fully to God’s plan of a world in which everyone can live in peace and dignity.”(from Pope Francis message for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 25 September 2022).
The Catholic Church has a well-grounded, faith-based, and compassionate teaching about the rights of immigrants, and the rights and duties of sovereign nations. From the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:
“The Catholic Catechism instructs the faithful that good government has two duties, both of which must be carried out and neither of which can be ignored. The first duty is to welcome the foreigner out of charity and respect for the human person. Persons have the right to immigrate and thus government must accommodate this right to the greatest extent possible, especially financially blessed nations: “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.” (Catholic Catechism, n. 2241).
“The second duty is to secure one’s border and enforce the law for the sake of the common good. Sovereign nations have the right to enforce their laws and all persons must respect the legitimate exercise of this right: “Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.” (Catholic Catechism, n. 2241).
Let us pray for the “strangers” who are our sisters and brothers who come to this country seeking help and relief.
Peace, Fr. Andy