Advent is, among other things, a great season of hospitality. The long build toward Christmas is penitential in part to remove what isn’t needed and to make room for Jesus in our lives. The Great Commandment teaches us that such a movement is never just up toward God but also outward to our neighbor. This Advent, let us move a little closer to loving God with our whole heart, our whole soul, our whole mind, and our neighbor as ourself. | |
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Viator House of Hospitality
Every year children without their parents migrate to the United States, coming from various parts of the world to seek asylum. When these unaccompanied children enter the country, they can be detained and placed in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. While children under 18 receive basic care in a juvenile detention facility, those over 18 are not allowed to stay in those facilities. Viator House of Hospitality, run by the Clerics of Saint Viator, helps care for and educate those over 18 while they await their trial to determine if their asylum plea is accepted. At Viator House they learn English, attend school, and find jobs to adapt to the United States while they await their asylum plea hearing.
Read more about the House on their website.
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Letter to Congress on Medicaid Postpartum Coverage
and Children's Health Insurance
The Catholic Health Association of the United States, Catholic Charities USA, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Domestic Policy Committee, wrote to Congress, asking them to prioritize policies that support women, children, and families. The letter requests a 12-month Medicaid postpartum coverage and Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance continuous coverage for children as required federal benefits.
An excerpt from the letter:
“We believe that affordable health care is both a basic human right and a necessity for a dignified life and the flourishing of families. Health care coverage must respect the inherent dignity and right to life of every human being. As Catholics, it is also a part of the realization of our work to extend the love and healing mission of Jesus to those in need.”
Read more here.
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The Virgin of Guadalupe 'leads us to Jesus'
On December 4, 2022, people gathered for a procession and Mass to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast we celebrate on December 12. Archbishop Gomez celebrated the Mass, which was themed “Holy Mary of Guadalupe, Mother of life and peace, pray for us.” During his bilingual homily he said, “God wants us to remain united, to be close to him and close to each other, especially in our families. Let’s make of our families a model of unity and a place full of love…Our homes should always be where Jesus should be present and a place where all can find love, compassion and mercy.” The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been a symbol of unity, peace, compassion and hope for people around the world.
Read more here.
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On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, U.S. Bishops’ Migration Chairman Reaffirms Church’s Solidarity with Immigrants
Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, issued the following statement: “The bishops of the United States continue to affirm the natural right to migrate, balanced with the sovereign right of countries to uphold their borders, as well as their obligations to provide humane processes for newcomers.”
In his speech, Bishop Seitz also prayed that the patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, can inspire generosity toward migrants and guidance toward those making policy.
Read more here.
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Pope Francis: The Church has a duty to welcome people with disabilities
On December 3, Pope Francis celebrated the International Day of Disabled Persons at the Vatican with a group of disabled children with their families. International Day of Disabled persons was proclaimed by the United Nations three decades ago. In his speech, Pope Francis emphasized the dignity of each person in his statement: “Promoting recognition of the dignity of every person is a constant responsibility of the Church: it is the mission of continuing over time the closeness of Jesus Christ to every man and woman, especially those who are most fragile and vulnerable.”
Read more here.
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This Catholic priest fought narcos in Colombia and now he is to lead the peace process
A Catholic priest has been named the second in command of the National Police of Colombia. Major General Silverio Ernesto Suarez did not feel the calling to the priesthood until a fellow policeman passed away from burns. This experience of mortality stirred a dual vocation in him: to the priesthood and also to the police, where he now says he can “save souls and save lives.”
Read more here.
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January 18 at 7:00 pm ET - The Franciscan Action Network will host a screening of “The Letter.” Register here.
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January 25 at 7:00 pm ET - The Justice and Peace Office of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova will host a virtual presentation by Msgr. Kevin Irwin, focused on insights into the encyclical Laudato Si’. Registration information is forthcoming.
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