“The human impact of migration that is seen daily at the border with Mexico cannot be overlooked. It is urgent to show solidarity with the myriads of brothers and sisters who are victims of violence, physical abuse, suffering, and despair” said Washington Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar, during a conference on immigration held at the Catholic University of America (CUA) on April 11. The conference theme was “Responding to Changing Realities at the U.S. Border and Beyond.”
He pointed out that everyone holds a heartfelt desire to have a migration system that is more orderly applied, one that recognizes the reality of migration and promotes the just application of civil law. But while this is happening at the political level, all those who believe in God must see migrants as brothers and sisters that arrive here bringing a baggage of faith and culture, but who are also longing for respect to their human dignity and dreaming of the common good as mandated by the principles of Catholic social teaching.
“Many migrants like me have been forced to leave their homelands to support their families, get a better education or escape persecution. In my teen years I left my home in Chalatenango, El Salvador and in the 90’s after three attempts I crossed the border to settle first in Los Angeles, then in Maryland. The solidarity and joy demonstrated by many people helped me strengthen my faith in God,” said Bishop Menjivar, at the conference sponsored by CUA and Catholic Charities’ Migration and Refugee Services.
Bishop Menjivar added that the USCCB has clearly indicated its support and solidarity toward migrant brothers and sisters. It is also committed to advocating for migration policies to be beneficial and just. “It is important to remember that newly arrived migrants and those waiting at the border are members of God’s family. They have dreams, are willing to accept new challenges, and are just waiting for an opportunity.”
Bishop Menjivar stressed that it is necessary to understand, analyze, and respond to what happens daily at the border in a creative, coordinated manner to help strengthen the faith, hope, and charity of migrants and of all God’s people.
Menjivar also recalled that in December 2022, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, archbishop of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, announced that Pope Francis had appointed two migrants, a Salvadoran and an Argentinean, to become auxiliary bishops of Washington.
“The news took me by surprise as well as Father Juan Esposito. This appointment led us to renew our priestly vows to spread the Gospel, fulfill Christ’s mission, and faithfully serve our Church, clergy and faithful” Bishop Menjivar said in closing his participation at the conference.
