ear Parishoners and Visitors,

A sincere “thank you” for taking the time and making the effort to come to Mass this weekend. It is certainly edifying to see so many people gathered to give praise and thanks to Almighty God. I am sure that God gazes upon us with a look of great love.

One of the issues that I believe most of us have been hearing about, reading about, and viewing on TV is the issue of immigration. It is a topic of great concern for many of us. There are so many points of view, shades of gray, and intricacies that it is a very complex issue. I do think that most of us would agree on a basic point-our immigration system is broken and in need of reform. I am certainly no expert on the issue of immigration, but I do know that my ancestors came to this country from other countries seeking a better life. My great grandparents, on my mother’s side, came from Ireland seeking a better life. My grandparents, on my father’s side, came as young children with their parents from Lithuania, seeking a better life. Many people today do what has been done by many people throughout the history of our country. People come here looking for a better life.

Our Catholic social teaching on the immigration issue attempts to balance three areas that are interrelated. These three areas are: the right of persons to migrate so that they can sustain themselves and their families; the right of any country to regulate its borders and immigration to the country; and a nation’s duty to conduct this policy with both justice and mercy. There is currently a bi-partisan bill, the Dignity Act of 2025, that has been introduced in the Congress. Obviously, this is not a perfect bill and I am sure it will face challenges and amendments. I would encourage you to read and study this bill. See what our bishops are saying about the issue of immigration. See what Pope Francis said about the issue and be sure to read the words of Pope Leo XIV. Bishop Mark Seitz, the Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration recently said this — “Pope Leo XIV has emphasized the responsibility of all political leaders to promote and protect the good of the community, the common good, particularly by defending the vulnerable and the marginalized.” Bishop Seitz also stated that “bi-partisan collaboration is not only possible, it’s absolutely necessary.” That is definitely a most correct statement.

I encourage all of us to become thoroughly acquainted with this bill. To discover its strengths and its weaknesses, and then to make your voice heard. Contact our state leaders and let them know what you think and why. Always in a way that is respectful but honest. Our elected officials need to hear from us on these most important issues of our day and time. As I wrote a few weeks ago, these issues are first and foremost moral issues. The Church looks at these issues always beginning and ending with respect for the God-given dignity of every person who is made in God’s image and likeness. Educate yourself on this issue, pray about this issue, and work for a respect for the lives of the weakest in our midst.

A Special Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land

Queen of Peace, Chosen daughter of a land still devastated by wars, hatred, violence.

We confidently address our plea to you: Do not allow that Jesus’ cry at the sight of the Holy City, which did not under- stand the gift of peace may, once again, fall into indifference and political calculation.

Look at the afflictions of so many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, victims of destructive energies that are blind and without a future. Inspire ways of dialogue, a vigorous will in solving problems and a collaboration of certain hope. Don’t let us ever get used to oppression, to consider the struggles as ‘inevitable’ and the victims they produce as ‘collateral’. Make sure that the logic of aggression does not prevail over good will and that the solution of many problems is not considered impossible.

Amen.

 Fernando Cardinal Filoni,
Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem

Click here for more Catholic prayers

Click below to learn about the many organizations and activities in St. Ann Parish: