Statement on the implementation of Migrant Protection Policies
Earlier this week, I issued a statement about policies recently enacted involving migrants coming through Mexico. These policies are adversely affecting migrants on the non-US side of our borders with Mexico. There have been reports of maltreatment of people awaiting entrance into this country to begin the asylum process. This includes depriving those waiting from having adequate bathroom access, limited drinking water, and in some cases taking medications from them as they wait.
This is not “protection” in any sense of the word. It is deprivation without cause and without regard for the lives of those seeking help from harm and poverty in their native countries. It is outrageous and depraved behavior.
Please read the statement below:
Migrant Protection Protocol Implementation in the Tucson Sector In January of 2019 the Department of Homeland Security announced the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols, otherwise known as the "remain in Mexico" policy for migrants seeking asylum in the United States. Since that time between 50,000 and 60,000 people, primarily families with children have remained in Mexico in border cities such as Tijuana, Juarez, Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros. The numbers of people forced across the border have overwhelmed the cities, the humanitarian aid organizations and the Mexican Government. The conditions in these cities include inadequate sanitary facilities where 2,500 people have access to only 3 portable toilets, pregnant women being given 1 bottle of water per day, families and children living in makeshift tents on sidewalks. In addition to the inhumane conditions in which the people must remain, they are subject to extortion and kidnapping by cartels and gangs, 364 rapes and assaults have been reported in one city, and daily threats of violence when the family has no money to pay the extortion .
We had been grateful, that this policy was not implemented in the Tucson Sector . On November 22 the change in policy was announced. The Department of Homeland Security determined that the Tucson Sector had become a weak link in the efforts to eliminate what is referred to as "catch and release" and determined that families and children who requested asylum would be bused to El Paso where they would be released to wait in Juarez, Mexico. The policy is not to apply to children traveling alone, pregnant women, people who are ill or with disabilities or those who were determined to face violence in Mexico. There is reason to believe this policy has not been adequately implemented and that many of these most vulnerable people are living in the streets in the city of Juarez where they will be taken from Tucson.
The Diocese of Tucson, as Catholic Community Services, has been operating a migrant welcoming shelter, Casa Alitas for six years. In this most recent year, we assisted 20,000 people, primarily families with children, while they journeyed to meet their sponsors and participate in the legal process to be granted asylum . All people assisted at Casa Alitas are provided medical screening, clothing, food, assistance with transportation, a clean bed and a safe place to recover from the trauma of an arduous journey. Few if any of these resources are available in Juarez. Instead of care, concern and dignity these same families are being pushed into the street facing danger and the uncertainty if and when they will be given to opportunity to present their case to an immigration official.
+Edward J. Weisenburger
As Catholics, we are bound by faith to see all people as one family created in the image of God. We are called to offer hospitality to those who need us. We are required to treat all with dignity and respect because they are our sisters and brothers. We are called to walk in solidarity with migrants on their journey. The Migrant Protection Protocol is a policy that does not provide protection to these most vulnerable people and in fact has placed them in significant danger in cities that cannot adequately assist them. For these reasons I call on others of good will to oppose this policy and to join me in communicating this opposition to our congressional delegation.
I add that our own Tucson City Council yesterday approved a “memorial” declaring support for the protection of families and children and calling for “action to suspend the implementation of the Migrant Protection Protocols,” and encouraged the federal government to provide more resources to local efforts to support migrant families fleeing persecution and poverty. The Kino Boarder Initiative, led by Jesuit Father Sean Carroll, also published a statement decrying expansion of the offensive protocols.
Thank you to Gov. Doug Ducey
I am deeply grateful to Governor Doug Ducey who today (Dec. 6, 2019) signed a letter of consent allowing refugee programs to continue in Arizona. Governor Ducey’s action makes it possible for us to continue the refugee resettlement work of our Catholic Community Services. Refugee resettlement is a critical ministry which we, along with a great many dioceses across our nation, have provided for many years. Providing aid to those in dire need and who are fearing for their lives is an important part of Catholic teaching. Again, and on behalf of the people of the Diocese of Tucson, I am truly grateful for this action. – Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger.
Other things Yesterday I was present for a penance service at the federal penitentiary on South Wilmot Road. Msgr. Al Schifano, Fathers Marco Carrasco, John Gonzales and Alan Valencia joined with me in hearing confessions. It was a very moving experience for us and for the inmates. On Thursday, I will travel to Yuma to be present for the Annual Mass for Farmworkers near St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in San Luis, near the international border there. This is an annual gathering to pray with the migrant workers that labor to bring food to our tables and theirs.
Thank you! On Saturday, I will celebrate Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral with the many members of boards and committees that work on behalf of the Diocese, as well as with directors of the various departments of our Pastoral Center. All work tirelessly throughout the year to bring their skills, guidance and wisdom to assist our diocese in the practice and ministry of our faith.
Fiesta de Tumacacori I will celebrate Mass before the 49
th Annual Fiesta that takes place at the ruins of Tumacacori Mission constructed in 1773 on the banks of the Santa Cruz River just south of Tubac.
Previous blogs reported that “In recognition of the many cultures (Tohono O'odham, Yaqui, Apache, Mexican and Southwestern) that have called the upper Santa Cruz Valley of southern Arizona their home, this fiesta presents the crafts, arts, food and music of these cultures annually on the first Saturday and Sunday of December.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe Please remember our Blessed Mother in her vestige as Our Lady of Guadalupe on
Thursday, Dec. 12. I will certainly write more about Our Lady in my next update, but for now, perhaps you could ponder this reflection that I found online at
https://blog.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit/our-lady-of-guadalupe As you reflect, please remember to pray to Our Lady as she is patroness both of Mexico and of the Americas. May she prevail upon God to protect and preserve us and continue to guide us with His light.
Second Week of Advent This week we begin our second week of Advent, and the second week of preparations for the arrival of Christ, the savior that brings salvation.
You may notice that repentance plays a big role in the scriptures and perhaps the upcoming homily. Recognizing and working to correct some of our ways is part of how we prepare the way for the Lord to enter our hearts.
This week try to consider how you live. When working with others, do you make decisions or take actions for their benefit or your own. Can you endeavor, in the future, to make decisions that are gentle, or that have less negative impact on others? Can you choose to live in ways that protect the environment? Can you live in ways that impart Christ’s love to others?
Here is a prayer by Holy Cross Father Daniel Groody, author of the book of Advent reflections I told you about last week. He wrote that for many, “repentance can seem like a call to reject ourselves. But more accurately it is about rejecting our false selves in order to become our most authentic selves: the person God created us to be.”
This prayer, also written by Groody, seems very appropriate to seeking help in changing ourselves for the better.”
“Loving God, help me to choose life. Guide me to let go of old mindsets, false certitudes and unhealthy habits that keep me in bondage. Lead me to repent of all that keeps me from you. Change in me all that is not of you so that I may become all you have created me to be.”
Farewell Please join me in sending best wishes and heartfelt thanks to Sister Helen Timothy, a member of the Sisters of Loreto, who will be leaving her long-time position as principal of Salpointe Catholic High School for an appointment for her religious order.
Needless to say, Sister has been a guiding force at the high school for many years, and her presence will most certainly be missed. Still, it seems that a bright new job is awaiting her. Sister, thank you for all the hard work you have done and for the fine leadership you gave so many of our students! Be blessed and be happy!
Here is a letter written by Kay Sullivan, president of Salpointe, about Sister’s departure:
Dear Salpointe Families, Please join me in congratulating Sister Helen on being appointed to a national leadership position in her religious order, the Loretto Sisters. I am very proud of Sister Helen as she receives this high honor in the call to serve her order, and I know that we will all miss her love and leadership. Sister Helen will leave Salpointe Catholic on December 20, 2019 and assume her new position in Chicago in January 2020.
Salpointe is a better place today because of Sister Helen. She has served the Salpointe community with love, compassion and pastoral care for the past eight and a half years, championing the sacred mission of our school. She has given this job her all, leading with commanding strength, organizational and planning mastery, holistic educational experience and a clear vision for the future. She and I have worked side by side as loyal, dynamic partners and I am forever grateful to her! . . . Thank you for your support as we meet Salpointe’s bright future together!
Upcoming Another reminder to consider attending the upcoming Christmas at the Cathedral concert. The details are in the flyer below. Tickets are available online or at the Pastoral Center at Cathedral Square, 192 S. Stone Ave., Building #2.
Binational Posadas Each year our diocese participates in these events. I will again be present for the posada at the border fence in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, along with Nogales Bishop Jose Leopoldo Gonzalez Gonzalez. That posada takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the DeConcini Port of Entry. Passports are required for all adults, and children up to 16 years old. Children younger than 16 will need a birth certificate and identification.
The other posadas: Tuesday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. in Agua Prieta (Douglas); and Thursday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m., Immaculate Conception Church, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma. For the Agua Prieta posada, participants are asked to meet at the McDonald’s in Douglas. Again, passports are required for all adults, and children up to 16 years old. Children younger than 16 will need a birth certificate and identification.
The annual Binational Posadas program along the southern border is sponsored by Dioceses without Borders and the Kino Border Initiative For more information, call Dominican Sister Gladys Echenique at (520) 838-2540 or email
[email protected].
Southwest Liturgical Conference Study Week Registration now open for the 58th Annual Southwest Liturgical Conference Study Week.
Our diocese is privileged to co-host the Study Week with the SWLC Board of Directors. The theme of the week is ”Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”
Study Week 2020 takes place Jan. 15-18 at the DoubleTree Hotel at Reid Park, Tucson.
There will be six general session speakers and more than 30 workshop sessions over the three days. Bilingual workshops, workshops for RCIA teams, and presentations on liturgical ministry, liturgical arts, music showcases and many more will be presented.
The cost is $150 (before Dec. 31) or after Dec. 31, $100/day. Diocesan certification (Level I in English and Spanish) will be available. Go to
www.swlc.org to register online. For more information, contact our Office of Formation, 520-838-2545 or
[email protected].
You can see a video from our diocese inviting people to the Liturgical Conference on our diocesan YouTube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Dq0tT69rY&t=104s