I was a stranger . . .

While we have been praying for the denuclearization talks in North Korea this week, there may have been a few items that we missed regarding immigration:

• On June 7, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrested 114 workers in an Ohio gardening business.  
• On June 11, Attorney General Sessions said that immigration judges "generally" cannot consider domestic and gang violence as grounds for seeking asylum in the United States. Some Catholic leaders have denounced this decision.
• With the increase of unaccompanied minors and the increase of children being separated from their parents at the border, NBC reporter Jacob Soboroff visited "Casa Padre," a shelter in Brownsville, Texas for over 1,500 boys ranging from age 10 to 17.  His June 3 report can be found here.
• At its June 13-14 spring meeting, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) considered the effects of recent immigration policy and considered sending a delegation to the Mexico border.

Please remain informed and prayerful regarding these and other life issues.  Remember the words of Jesus as passed down to us in the Gospel of Matthew: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me."

Culture of Individualism

This morning, Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, of the Diocese of Paterson, NJ, was a guest on Relevant Radio's "Morning Air" program.  Click here to listen to Bishop Serratelli's words on the "Culture of Individualism or here to read Bishop Serratelli's column, "The Loss of Freedom in a Culture of Radical Individualism."

On the Call to Holiness in Today's World

We continue reading through Gaudete et Exsultate:

"'Each in his or her own way' the Council says.  We should not grow discouraged before examples of holiness that appear unattainable.  There are some testimonies that may prove helpful and inspiring, but that we are not meant to copy, for that could even lead us astray from the one specific path that the Lord has in mind for us.  The important thing is that each believer discern his or her own path, that they bring out the very best of themselves, the most personal gifts that God has placed in their hearts (cf. 1 Cor 12:7) rather than hopelessly trying to imitate something not meant for them" (n. 11). 

"In times when women tended to be most ignored or overlooked, the Holy Spirit raised up saints whose attractiveness produced new spiritual vigor and important reforms in the Church.  We can mention Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Saint Bridget, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Teresa of Avila and Saint Therese of Lisieux.  But I think too of all those unknown or forgotten women who, each in her own way, sustained and transformed families and communities by the power of their witness" (n. 12).

JPIC Newsbrief

Thanks to Sister Joanne for sending us this Newsbrief from the USG-UISG Commission for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.  Click here to access the newsletter.

Pauline at 201

You may remember that last year we commemorated the 200th birthday of the Founder of the Sisters of Christian Charity,  Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt (June 3, 1817- April 30, 1881).  In honor of Mother Pauline's 200th birthday, Sisters participated in mission trips to Uruguay, Argentina, the Philippines and the United States.  Additionally, spiritual preparations occurred for three years prior to the celebration and in last July's "Response 200." Several "Pauline 200" celebrations were held last summer, as well. 

Through these commemorations and celebrations, the Sisters of Christian Charity have been strengthened to continue carrying Pauline's charism throughout the world.  We are grateful to God for Blessed Pauline and for all of those on whose shoulders we stand.

Father in heaven, lead us in the way of  love as you led Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt.  Open our hearts to others, that loving them as your Son commanded, we may be one with them in your heavenly kingdom.  Amen.

On the Call to Holiness in Today's World

We continue reading through Gaudete et Exsultate, the Apostolic Exhortation promulgated in April:

"We are never completely ourselves unless we belong to a people.  That is why no one is saved alone, as an isolated individual.  Rather, God draws us to himself, taking into account the complex fabric of interpersonal relationships present in a human community.  God wanted to enter into the life and history of a people" (n. 6).

"I like to contemplate the holiness present in the patience of God's people: in those parents who raise their children with immense love, in those men and women who work hard to support their families, in the sick, in elderly religious who never lose their smile.  In their daily perseverance I see the holiness of the Church militant.  Very often it is a holiness found in our next-door neighbours, those who, living in our midst, reflect God's presence.  We might call them 'the middle class of holiness'" (n. 7).

"[St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross] writes: 'The greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity step forth out of the darkest night.  But for the most part, the formative stream of the mystical life remains invisible.  Certainly the most decisive turning points in world history are substantially co-determined by souls whom no history book ever mentions.  And we will only find out about those souls to whom we owe the decisive turning points in our personal lives on the day when all that is hidden is revealed'" (n. 8).

Stop Trafficking Newsletter for June

The June 2018 issue of Stop Trafficking -- highlighting the trauma suffered by victims of sexual exploitation and the issues involved in their treatment and healing -- is available here.