Bishop Checchio Asks that we Pray for the Crisis of Immigration in our Country
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February 22, 2025Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
On February 11, Pope Francis wrote a letter to the Bishops of the United State concerning the current state of immigration policy in our country, referring to it as a “major crisis that is taking place in the United States.” As we see almost daily developments and hear ongoing heated arguments from both sides of the issue of immigration, I encourage my brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of Metuchen, with one prayerful voice, to call upon the Holy Spirit to impart the grace of wisdom, understanding and prudence to our national, state and local leaders in undertaking the crisis of immigration in our country. As Catholics, we believe our government exists in part to protect life, family and human dignity. We pray that every action of our government will seek to promote these ideals.
We as a country must recognize the dignity of every person and the preservation of every life, born and unborn. The rule of law should safeguard all our rights and preserve these principles. It is understood that there is the right and responsibility for a country to secure its borders, eliminate the manipulation and abuse of human trafficking, and maintain the sovereign rule designed to promote peace and safety in society. However, the rule of law must be implemented with a spirit of justice and mercy. Every person is deeply loved by our God, regardless of their immigration status. We have to remember that as we do unto the least of our brothers or sisters, we do unto Him.
May the words of Pope Francis inspire us to rise above division, suspicion, and hatred of others. Rather, let us work together to become peacemakers seeking the protection of the dignity of all people, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. Join me in praying that God may continue to shed His grace upon the United States of America, and may our Lady of Guadalupe intercede to protect all immigrants throughout the world and bring true and lasting peace to our world.
For more information and resources, including Pope Francis' letter, go to this link on our diocesan webpage. https://diometuchen.org/immigration-resources
With renewed best wishes, I remain
Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen
