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WASHINGTON- The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, October 21. Bishop Seitz is an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Migration and a member of the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).The humanitarian outflow, driven by organized crime in the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, continues, with nearly 40,000 unaccompanied children and an equal number of mothers with children having arrived in the United States in Fiscal Year 2015."If we do not respond justly and humanely to this challenge in our own backyard, then we will relinquish our moral leadership and moral influence globally," Bishop Seitz said.Bishop Seitz pointed to the human consequences of U.S. policies which are designed to deter migration from the region, i...
WASHINGTON- The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, October 21. Bishop Seitz is an advisor to the USCCB Committee on Migration and a member of the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).
The humanitarian outflow, driven by organized crime in the northern triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, continues, with nearly 40,000 unaccompanied children and an equal number of mothers with children having arrived in the United States in Fiscal Year 2015.
"If we do not respond justly and humanely to this challenge in our own backyard, then we will relinquish our moral leadership and moral influence globally," Bishop Seitz said.
Bishop Seitz pointed to the human consequences of U.S. policies which are designed to deter migration from the region, including U.S. support for Mexican interdiction efforts which are intercepting children and families in Mexico and sending them back to danger, in violation of international law.
Bishop Seitz recommended an end to these interdictions and the introduction of a regional system which would screen children and families for asylum in Mexico and other parts of the region. He also called for Congress to approve and increase a $1 billion aid package proposed by the Administration.
"If we export enforcement," Bishop Seitz said, "we also must export protection."
Bishop Seitz recalled the words of Pope Francis before Congress in September, when he invoked the golden rule in guiding our nation's actions toward those seeking safety in our land.
Quoting the Holy Father, Bishop Seitz repeated to the committee, "'The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.'"
"Mr. Chairman, I pray that time, and history, will conclude that we honored this rule in meeting this humanitarian challenge," Bishop Seitz concluded.
Bishop Seitz' testimony can be found at http://www.usccb.org//about/migration-policy/congressional-testimony/upload/seitz-ongoing-migration.pdf
Keywords: Bishop Mark J. Seitz, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Congress, Senate, Committee on Migration, migration, unaccompanied children, violence, Pope Francis
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(Vatican Radio) Pakistan on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of last year's Taliban attack on a school that killed over 150 people, 144 of them schoolchildren, in Peshawar.“Those who have families, who have lost their children, they will never forget this event,” said Bishop Rufin Anthony, the Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.Listen to the interview with Bishop Anthony:He told Vatican Radio there is “continuous mourning for the parents, especially the mothers of these children.”Various public and private organizations held rallies across Pakistan to commemorate the tragedy and show solidarity in the fight against Islamic militants.“Everybody felt sorrowful and depressed because of this…the schools are closed to remember that day, and also to mourn,” Bishop Anthony said.He said the Church is preaching peace, especially in the season leading to Christmas.“Peace is not something we can buy from the bazaar, we have t...
(Vatican Radio) Pakistan on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of last year's Taliban attack on a school that killed over 150 people, 144 of them schoolchildren, in Peshawar.
“Those who have families, who have lost their children, they will never forget this event,” said Bishop Rufin Anthony, the Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi.
Listen to the interview with Bishop Anthony:
He told Vatican Radio there is “continuous mourning for the parents, especially the mothers of these children.”
Various public and private organizations held rallies across Pakistan to commemorate the tragedy and show solidarity in the fight against Islamic militants.
“Everybody felt sorrowful and depressed because of this…the schools are closed to remember that day, and also to mourn,” Bishop Anthony said.
He said the Church is preaching peace, especially in the season leading to Christmas.
“Peace is not something we can buy from the bazaar, we have to merit this peace,” Bishop Anthony continued. “We have to clean up our interior self, then only can that peace be in the person himself, and give that peace to others.”
(Vatican Radio) World leaders have hailed the climate change agreement they struck in Paris at the weekend as historic, while some environmentalists have warned the deal does not go far enough to curb the effects of global warming on our planet. Financial analysts meanwhile have described the summit’s outcome as the most important climate agreement since the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, saying it will boost the world's low carbon-emissions economy.Leaders of the Christian Churches and other faith communities also played a vital role in Paris, representing the voice of the poorest communities who are worst effected by climate change.Pope Francis on Sunday urged the international community to urgently follow up on the path set by the agreement, paying special attention “for the most vulnerable populations”.Among the Christian leaders addressing the talks in Paris was the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. He was in Rome this we...
(Vatican Radio) World leaders have hailed the climate change agreement they struck in Paris at the weekend as historic, while some environmentalists have warned the deal does not go far enough to curb the effects of global warming on our planet. Financial analysts meanwhile have described the summit’s outcome as the most important climate agreement since the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, saying it will boost the world's low carbon-emissions economy.
Leaders of the Christian Churches and other faith communities also played a vital role in Paris, representing the voice of the poorest communities who are worst effected by climate change.
Pope Francis on Sunday urged the international community to urgently follow up on the path set by the agreement, paying special attention “for the most vulnerable populations”.
Among the Christian leaders addressing the talks in Paris was the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit. He was in Rome this week for talks with Cardinal Peter Turkson of the Pontifical Justice and Peace Council and members of the St Egidio community. Rev Fykse Tveit spoke to Philippa Hitchen about his hopes and his expectations following the historic agreement…
Listen:
Rev Fykse Tveit says he told the politicians in Paris that all people – but especially the most vulnerable – have a right to hope that the world leaders would show responsibility towards all of humanity and not just the interests of their own countries.
He says the agreement is an important symbol of this and that politicians, business leaders, researchers, the civil sector and the religious communities now need to “speak the same language” to press for monitoring and implementation.
Faith leaders, he says, need to be “both strong in the conviction that (implementation) is possible” and hold the world leaders accountable to the commitments they have made. In Paris, he says, there was an interaction between civil society, the most vulnerable communities and politicians, “working together in ways we haven’t seen before”.
The religious discourse – especially Pope Francis’ encyclical – he says, has had an impact and “now it’s time to follow up”.
Regarding the recent refugee crisis that has caused tensions in many European countries, including his own nation, Norway, Rev Fykse Tveit praises the Norwegian Council of Churches for calling for the legal rights of refugees to be respected. He says there is a growing ecumenical and interfaith movement opposing the skepticism and proposing a more hospitable approach
There is a strong role for the Churches, he says, to combat the current fears and show that “our own security and wellbeing is not only defined by protecting our resources, but by making sure we live in a world of peace and justice, dealing with each other in a decent way”.
Rev Fykse Tveit also speaks about the Jubilee Year, inaugurated by Pope Francis earlier this month, saying it offers an ecumenical challenge, as well as opportunity for the “worldwide fellowship of humanity” to see that we need mercy “to be able to find a way forward”.
Finally the WCC leaders shares some of the priorities of the ecumenical body for the coming year: firstly, to look at what Christians can say together to combat the use of religion to justify violence; secondly to follow up on the climate change achievements; and thirdly to pursue the search for justice and peace, especially in the Middle East.
(Vatican Radio) Italian singer Teddy Reno performed a song he wrote especially for Pope Francis after the general audience on Wednesday.The 89-year-old artist stood next to the Pope for the performance, and then dropped to his knees at the end. Pope Francis helped him up to applause.Reno and his wife, Rita Pavone, had a private audience with Pope Francis last year, where they discussed Argentinian music, and even sang football songs together.
(Vatican Radio) Italian singer Teddy Reno performed a song he wrote especially for Pope Francis after the general audience on Wednesday.
The 89-year-old artist stood next to the Pope for the performance, and then dropped to his knees at the end. Pope Francis helped him up to applause.
Reno and his wife, Rita Pavone, had a private audience with Pope Francis last year, where they discussed Argentinian music, and even sang football songs together.
His Beatitude Fouad Twal, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem focused on peace, mercy and action in his traditional Christmas press conference held on December 16. Here below is the full text of his message:Dear Friends,Dear Faithful of the Holy Land,To all of you and those dear to you, I wish you a Christmas full of joy and blessings!To our dear journalist-friends, thank you for your presence here today. Thank you for the valuable work, which you carry out with openness, freedom and wisdom, best guided by a continual concern and interest for the Truth.In a few days we will celebrate the birth of Christ; Christmas, the mystery of the Incarnation, the mystery of the Eternal Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us”. Christmas, the feast of the Light, that shines in the night, a celebration of joy, hope and peace. Children of the world dream of a wonderful celebration with gifts, lights, decorated trees and crèches. However, and I...
His Beatitude Fouad Twal, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem focused on peace, mercy and action in his traditional Christmas press conference held on December 16. Here below is the full text of his message:
Dear Friends,
Dear Faithful of the Holy Land,
To all of you and those dear to you, I wish you a Christmas full of joy and blessings!
To our dear journalist-friends, thank you for your presence here today. Thank you for the valuable work, which you carry out with openness, freedom and wisdom, best guided by a continual concern and interest for the Truth.
In a few days we will celebrate the birth of Christ; Christmas, the mystery of the Incarnation, the mystery of the Eternal Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us”. Christmas, the feast of the Light, that shines in the night, a celebration of joy, hope and peace. Children of the world dream of a wonderful celebration with gifts, lights, decorated trees and crèches. However, and I repeat the same words of Pope Francis, everything is distorted “because the world continues to make war”. This famous “third world war being fought in pieces”, which he speaks of so often, is unfolding before our eyes in our region.
I- Violence
– What a suffering it is, to once again see our beloved Holy Land caught in the vicious cycle of bloody violence! What a pain to see anew, hatred prevail over reason and dialogue! The anguish of the people of this land is ours, which we cannot ignore or disregard. Enough! We are tired of this conflict as we see the Holy Land sullied with blood.
To the Israeli and Palestinian leaders we say, it is time to show courage, and work for the establishment of a just peace. Enough of stalling, reluctance and false pretenses! Respect international resolutions! Listen to the voice of your people who aspire for peace, act in their best interests! Each of the two peoples of the Holy Land, Israelis and Palestinians, have the right to dignity, to an independent state and sustainable security.
– Alas, our situation in the Holy Land resonates that of the world facing an unprecedented terrorist threat. A deadly ideology based on religious fanaticism and obstinacy is spreading terror and barbarism amidst innocent people. Yesterday, it was Lebanon, France, Russia, the United States; but war has been raging for years in Iraq and Syria. The situation in Syria is also at the center of this crisis; and the future of the Middle East depends on the resolution of this conflict.
These terrible wars are driven by arms trade, involving several international powers. We are facing a situation of total absurdity and duplicity. On one side, some speak of dialogue, justice, and peace, while on the other hand promote the sale of arms to the belligerents! We call to conversion, these unscrupulous arms dealers who may be without conscience, to make amends. Great is your responsibility in these devastating tragedies, and you will answer before God for the blood of your brothers.
Military response and the way of force cannot solve the problems of humanity. We need to find the root and cause of this scourge, and to tackle them. We must combat poverty and injustice, which may constitute a breeding ground for terrorism. Similarly, we must promote education on tolerance and acceptance of the other.
– The Church and the community of believers also have to respond to the current situation. This response is the Jubilee of Mercy, inaugurated on December 8 by Pope Francis. Mercy is the remedy for the ills of our time. It is through mercy that we make visible to the world the tenderness and closeness of God.
Mercy is not limited to individual relationships but embraces public life in all its sectors (political, economic, cultural, social), at all levels (international, regional and local) and in all directions (between states, peoples, cultures and religions). When mercy becomes a basic component of public action, the world can be transformed from the sphere of selfish interests to that of human values.
“Mercy is a political act par excellence, provided the policy is set in its noblest sense, of caring for the human family beginning with ethical values, of which mercy is a principal component opposed to violence, oppression, injustice, and the spirit of domination.”
During this Year of Mercy, we invite pilgrims to visit the Holy Land. Upon the invitation of the Holy Father, we opened a Holy Door, a Door of Mercy in designated Churches in the diocese: the Basilica of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth and the Church of Saint Catherine in Bethlehem. Pilgrims should not be afraid to come. Despite the tense situation in this land, the pilgrim route is safe and they are respected and appreciated by all sectors in the Holy Land
II- What to do?
– We also believe in the fundamental value of education. How can we ever forget the bitter struggle to uphold our Christian schools in Israel? How can we not thank all who participated, the parents, children and teachers? A number of political leaders and officials, including Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and several members of the Knesset, have worked for this worthy cause. They have shown a commitment to education offered by the Christian schools that is open to all citizens without distinction, and based on fraternal principles, dialogue and peace.
– This interfaith perspective brings me to the fiftieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, probably the most revolutionary document of the Second Vatican Council. This declaration lays out the foundation for dialogue between the Church and non-Christian religions. Here in the Holy Land, this dialogue is of paramount importance where difficulties exist, but it is necessary to continue to hope all the more, to the viability of a Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue.
I also commend our St. James Vicariate for Hebrew-speaking Catholics, which celebrated its sixty years of existence. It continues to work for Jewish-Christian dialogue, and in generously serving the migrant communities.
III. Christmas celebration this year
– The current political situation suggests for moderate celebrations and deepening our spiritual sense of this remembrance. For this reason, we invite every parish to switch off Christmas tree lights for five minutes in solidarity with all victims of violence and terrorism. Similarly, our Christmas Mass will be offered for the victims and their families, that they take to heart, the participation in the joy and peace of Christmas.
– The Patriarch’s Solemn Entry
Since the beginning of this month, and together with the Custody of the Holy Land, we have created a committee to reorganize the solemn entry of the Patriarch into Bethlehem on December 24. Several measures have been carried out so that the arrival of the procession in Bethlehem is not delayed and in an orderly manner in the Manger Square and the area of the Church of the Nativity. A place for journalists and photographers has been designated.
I would like to conclude by thanking Pope Francis for several reasons. First, for the canonization of the two Palestinian saints last May, and subsequently for the Synod of Bishops on the Family, to which I had the joy of participating; for the Motu Proprio simplifying the process for the nullity of marriage; for the historic Bilateral Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine; and finally for his encyclical “Laudato Si” on major issues for our planet and humanity, the care for our common home, for creation and protection of the environment.
Conclusion
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” (Is 9:5)
Dear friends, the birth of Christ is a sign of the Mercy of the Father and a promise of joy to us all. This message shines upon our wounded world, to console the afflicted, the oppressed, and to bring about conversion to violent hearts.
A blessed and joyous Christmas to all!
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received a birthday cake from Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki during his weekly general audience on Wednesday. The cake was shaped like a Mexican sombrero, and was presented to the Holy Father a day before he turns 79-years-old.Alazraki posted a picture of the cake on Twitter, and said it was given “in the name of Mexico, who await you.”Pope Francis will make his first apostolic trip to Mexico from 12-18 February 2016.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis received a birthday cake from Mexican journalist Valentina Alazraki during his weekly general audience on Wednesday. The cake was shaped like a Mexican sombrero, and was presented to the Holy Father a day before he turns 79-years-old.
Alazraki posted a picture of the cake on Twitter, and said it was given “in the name of Mexico, who await you.”
Pope Francis will make his first apostolic trip to Mexico from 12-18 February 2016.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis made a special greeting during his General Audience to an Austrian delegation bringing the “Peace Light of Bethlehem.”The program was begun in 1986, and aims to raise awareness for the peace process in the Holy Land, as well as support handicapped children and other people in need.The flame, which is lit at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and flown in a special container to Austria, is brought by Scouts and Guides throughout Europe.Pope Francis met with the delegation at the end of his audience.
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis made a special greeting during his General Audience to an Austrian delegation bringing the “Peace Light of Bethlehem.”
The program was begun in 1986, and aims to raise awareness for the peace process in the Holy Land, as well as support handicapped children and other people in need.
The flame, which is lit at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem and flown in a special container to Austria, is brought by Scouts and Guides throughout Europe.
Pope Francis met with the delegation at the end of his audience.
IMAGE: CNS/Paul HaringBy Junno Arocho EstevesVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pilgrims must beware of people whoseek to use the Jubilee Year to profit off of them since salvation is a giftthat cannot be bought, Pope Francis said. "Be careful!Beware of someone who is sly or sneaky who tells you that you need to pay.Salvation cannot be paid for, salvation cannot be bought. Jesus is the door andJesus is free of charge," thepope said Dec. 16 during his weekly general audience.The pope's warning comes one day after Rome's financialpolice seized fake parchments -- worth an estimated 70,000 euros -- that weresold at a souvenir shop near the Vatican, according to a report by The AssociatedPress Dec. 14. AP said police seized 3,500 parchments being passed off asapostolic blessings that commemorate marriages, baptisms and Holy Yearpilgrimages. Prior to the start of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop RinoFisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the NewEvangelization, said pilgrims ...
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring
By Junno Arocho Esteves
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pilgrims must beware of people who seek to use the Jubilee Year to profit off of them since salvation is a gift that cannot be bought, Pope Francis said.
"Be careful! Beware of someone who is sly or sneaky who tells you that you need to pay. Salvation cannot be paid for, salvation cannot be bought. Jesus is the door and Jesus is free of charge," the pope said Dec. 16 during his weekly general audience.
The pope's warning comes one day after Rome's financial police seized fake parchments -- worth an estimated 70,000 euros -- that were sold at a souvenir shop near the Vatican, according to a report by The Associated Press Dec. 14. AP said police seized 3,500 parchments being passed off as apostolic blessings that commemorate marriages, baptisms and Holy Year pilgrimages.
Prior to the start of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization, said pilgrims must be vigilant not only of terrorist threats but also of scam artists who see the Holy Year as "a source of income."
"It's not just about security for fear of ISIS. There has to be security to watch out for people's dignity," he told journalists Dec. 4.
During his address, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the Holy Year celebrations in dioceses across the globe would serve as "a visible sign of universal communion" and of God's love and mercy to the world.
Noting that the start of the Holy Year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, the pope said that the council highlighted this "mystery of communion" among the churches worldwide.
"Although spread throughout the world and divided into many particular churches, it has always been the one and only church that Jesus Christ wanted and for whom he offered himself," he said.
The Holy Door is a symbol of Jesus Christ, he said, and pilgrims who pass through it in Rome and in churches around the world make a visible sign of trust in him "who did not come to judge but to save."
"It is a sign of a true conversion of the heart," the pope said. "When we pass through that door, it is good to remember that we should also open wide the doors of our heart."
Confession, he continued, is another important aspect of the Holy Year that gives the faithful the opportunity to have "a direct experience" of mercy. However, one must first recognize their sins and also forgive others in order to fully experience God's love and forgiveness.
"When we recognize our sins and ask forgiveness, there is a celebration in heaven; Jesus celebrates," Pope Francis said. "This is his mercy; do not be discouraged, go forward."
Before the start of the audience, pilgrims sang "Happy Birthday" to the pope who will celebrate his 79th birthday Dec. 17. As he made his way to the stage, veteran Mexican journalist, Valentina Alazraki, presented Pope Francis with a sombrero-shaped birthday cake on behalf of the Mexican people.
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Follow Arocho on Twitter: @arochoju.
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