Several members of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls gathered with parishioners and others Oct. 22 for a Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants Day prayer vigil at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell.
The vigil was part of the One Church, One Family: Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants campaign, a nationwide movement — which includes the U.S. Catholic bishops and Catholic organizations across the country — calling people of faith to publicly demonstrate solidarity with migrant families, asylum seekers and refugees.
“I think we just are kind of stunned by how immigrants are being treated,” said Mike Schut, director of integral ecology for the sisters. “And it seems like this is something Jesus would be doing. He would be praying, but also acting on behalf of those who are being mistreated, often for the color of their skin or the language they speak.”
Amid ongoing humanitarian crises at the U.S.–Mexico border and increased attacks on migrant communities by federal authorities, One Church, One Family has invited parishes, schools and faith-based organizations to host prayerful public witnesses that proclaim the dignity of every person.
Bishop Patrick Neary, although he did not attend the vigil, expressed his support for their efforts and encouraged all Catholics in the diocese to join the wider Church in this day of Catholic public witness for immigrants.
“The dehumanizing narratives, unjust treatment and policies that our immigrant brothers and sisters have been facing with increasing intensity must be named,” he said. “And the dignity and right to life-affirming opportunities that our faith demands for all God‘s children, regardless of ethnicity or status, must be affirmed.”
The prayer vigil included prayer, song and testimonials from two women that work with the local immigrant community. Participants were then invited to light a candle before praying the rosary for peace.
Schut, who attended the vigil along with the Franciscan Sisters, said the sisters have a long tradition of serving in other countries and being in relationship with those in Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua or Venezuela.
“There’s this real awareness of what’s going on right now in their hearts,” he said. “So they want to be here to the extent they can be.”
Pictured above: A participant lights a candle during the vigil. (Dianne Towalski / The Central Minnesota Catholic)
