“What has Happened to our Heart?”

STATEMENT FROM THE USA PROVINCE OF THE SOCIETY OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR IN RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF IMMIGRATION IN THE USA

Recently Bishop Mark Seitz, the bishop of El Paso Texas stated the following:
“What has happened to our heart? What has happened to the word compassion? Can it even be found?” he asked. “Today in the country and the world, I wonder whether we can even recognize our country, because we were founded on these principles (of compassion) and our Lady of Liberty has stood where so many of our immigrants have entered as a sign of hope, as a place of justice.”

These profound words from Bishop Seitz were a mirror directed at everyone in our country who claims Christ as their Savior. What have we done? How is it possible that a country built by the life and death of immigrants and based on compassion could possibly descend to the level of the manufactured cruelty we are witnessing today.

Perhaps fear, the fear of the other is partly to blame. Politicians pushing the fear of the other can have a detrimental effect on society because it rips society apart. But the most painful part is seeing “Christians” ignoring the basic tenants of Christ to welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable. What gospel some people are reading is news to me. It is nothing like what is presented in the Old and New Testament. Happily, many faithful Christians and Catholics are heeding the call of compassion recently called for by Pope Leo XVI in his exhortation “Dilexi te” as he reminds us of the power of God’s love to transform our lives.

Despite all these challenges, there is much hope. Throughout the US in both city and rural communities,’ people of faith are taking a stand and sometimes paying the price. We are seeing story after story of faith communities coming together to assist our suffering immigrants whether it is in witness through prayer or providing legal help. Example after example, from coast to coast we see the power of faith triumphing over hate and fear.

For example, in Nogales, AZ, the famous Keno Border Initiative supports deported families with health care, food, legal services and transportation. Bishops, priests, catholic religious men and women along with church leaders of other traditions and parishioners are standing up. Many are attending deportation trials throughout the country to comfort the afflicted and be witnesses to the inhumanity we are experiencing. In other cities priests are offering mass online for families fearful of leaving their home. Parishioners are providing food and financial support while vigilant people actively patrol the streets, protecting their neighbors and children. More people of faith are speaking out and saying, “NO, not in my name.”

The Salvatorians, a Catholic religious society of priests and brothers dedicated to bringing the love and kindness of the Lord to all we serve, has realized that it is impossible to be silent when such pain is being inflicted on our communities. To be silent would be to approve of the cruel immigration enforcement taking place in our country. In line with our faith as a Catholic religious community we do not approve of this inhumane immigration policy that is causing such pain to the body of Christ.

As a Catholic religious community in the US, we know we are better than this. Do we need a proper and compassionate immigration process? Yes, we do! The question is how? Today we are learning the hard way that persecution, terror, demonizing our neighbors and cruelty ultimately fails and takes the country down with it. Through eyes of faith, we need to look in that mirror that Bishop Seitz has shown us and remind ourselves that ultimately compassion, justice and love is the only true foundation of a great nation. We can do no less.

V. Rev. Tom Tureman SDS
Provincial Superior
US Province of The Society of the Divine Savior