Wednesday: Day of Prayer and Fasting for Immigration Reform

Cardinal Mahony Designates Wednesday, April 5, As Special Day Of Prayer & Fasting For Just And Humane Immigration Reform

I encourage all Catholics to attend Mass this Wednesday to pray for just and humane immigration reform legislation. I will celebrate the 12:10 PM Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on that day, and will also observe a special fast. Even if you cannot attend Mass in your parish, I invite you to spend some time in prayer for our legislators, for the achievement of just and human immigration reform, and for those among us who will be most affected by it.

I think that this is a cause worth praying about, whether you fully agree with Cardinal Mahony's thinking on this issue or not. I've seen people act as though the Cardinal is nuts for "making such a big deal" over this. Unlike other parts of the country, Southern California is a home for many, many, many immigrants, both documented and undocumented. It is right that the Cardinal should be concerned for their welfare and dignity. To assert, as some Catholics have (!!), that the Cardinal's interest is merely to secure support and a "few extra pesos in the collection basket" is, in my opinion, ridiculous and insulting.