Holy Hour for Peace and Consolation

In the wake of recent events here in our state and across the country involving immigration enforcement, many are living with fear, uncertainty, and grief. In response, I invite the faithful to gather for a Holy Hour for Peace and Consolation on Friday, February 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

This Holy Hour will be a time to pray before the Lord for those affected, for justice, for peace amid division, and for consolation for those overwhelmed by fear or loss. We come together not only to entrust our concerns to God, but to pray for healing and unity.

As Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has said:
“Let us pray for reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by fear or loss.”
All are welcome to participate. If you cannot join us in person, please do so spiritually.

Contact Your Elected Representatives
In addition to prayer, we are called to participate responsibly in the civic life of our nation. One way to do that is by respectfully contacting our federal representatives about proposed immigration reform that seeks to address longstanding failures in the current system.

A bipartisan immigration reform bill currently before Congress is the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393). This legislation would:
· modernize processes for visas and asylum,
· address border security and enforcement, and
· provide a path to legal status for many long-term undocumented residents.

This is not a perfect bill, but it represents a concrete effort at meaningful reform. You can contact your U.S. representative by email to express your concern for the dignity of every human person and to encourage thoughtful consideration of this bill.

To find your representatives and send an email:
· Use: www.house.gov/representatives and www.senate.gov/senators
Enter your address to locate your members of Congress and send them a respectful message in your own words.
We are a nation and a local Church with a deep history of immigrant faith and service. In these challenging days, let us pray together, support one another, and work for justice, peace, and the dignity of every person.
-Bishop James T. Ruggieri