August 24, 2022
The long, hot days of summer have brought with them a new era in the long-standing immigration debates in the US. The governors of several border states have started bussing immigrants to Washington DC and New York City in an apparent political maneuver to put pressure on the federal government to change immigration policy and/or give more resources for border control. Catholic Charities of New York has been involved in caring for the immigrants. Read more about the situation on NPR, the New York Times, and Reuters. 
Let us pray that these immigrants be welcomed as Christ and the local social services have the capacity to serve their basic needs.
Member Feature
The Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation celebrates its 20th year of ministry 

In 2002, four Precious Blood priests proposed opening a reconciliation center in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood. The idea, at the start, was vague: a place where people could gather, some kind of sanctuary and safe place. 

Formally founded in 2004, the center has grown around the charism of the Precious Blood: reconciliation. 20 years later, it has honed its mission to a well-defined paragraph: 

We work as agents of reconciliation to:
Build relationships among youth and families impacted by violence and/or conflict
Create safe spaces where people can experience radical hospitality, hope and healing
Promote a restorative justice approach to conflict and build a sense of community.

The ministry now reaches out to youth, helps mothers and young families, and has a prison and detention ministry. It does case management work and offers transitional housing to men leaving prison and trying to re-enter society. 

Read more about their 20th anniversary celebration here. 
Education & Resources
Sonoran Desert Immersion Trip

The Kino Border Initiative details one of their immersion trips through Arizona’s Sonoran desert, one the paths the migrants currently being bussed to Washington DC take. A group of high school students contemplate the reality of this dangerous trek, encountering the heat, oppressive physical toll, and remnants left by those who have already crossed. 

Read the whole immersion story here.
Police put Nicaraguan bishop under house arrest again, send priests and seminarians to jail

Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Alvarez was kidnapped, according to local police, to recover “normality for the residents and families of Matagalpa.” The police indicated that if they hadn’t kidnapped him, Alvarez would have continued in engaging activities that were “destabilizing and provocative.” Since August 4 the bishop and a few seminarians were prevented from leaving their house and communicating outside of their house. The bishop remains under house arrest and was able to speak with relatives.
As Muslims in Albuquerque grieve murders, U.S. bishops offer sympathy and support

On August 11, 2022, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago offerred prayers and support to the local Alberquerque Muslim community. Four Muslim men were killed in Alburquerque from Nov. 2021 to Aug. this year, including three in the last two week. 

Cardinal Cupich said: “May all people of good will work together to deliver our communities from all forms of violence so that we might enjoy the gift of God’s peace.”

Read more here.
Beyond the border, reunification of Latin American families takes years

The reunification process of families in the US after being separated at the border takes years for some families. For Jorge Alvarenga and his mother it took them 17 years to be reunited. While Alvarenga was in the US his mother was still in El Salvador. Many families have very similar struggles when looking or applying to get a visa to get reunited with the rest of their family members. Many get turned down and have to wait before they can be with their loved ones.

Read more here.
More than 250 Catholic Organizations Sign on to Climate Letter

The Catholic Climate Covenant posted that more than 250 Catholic organizations have sent a letter to their US representatives asking them to support legislation protecting our common home.

Their post is here, and the letter can be read here. 
Pope’s Migrants Day message: ‘Better future must be built with foreigners’
 
The 108th World Day of Migrants is September 25, 2022. Ahead of the occasion, Pope Francis released a message. The theme of the message is “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees.” Read the message here.
 
Visit the Migrants & Refugees Section of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development website here for more resources.
Upcoming JPIC Events
  • A four-part webinar series on dealing with legal denials of immigation benefits, starting September 8 and running through September 29

Bread Not Stones Action Days from Pax Christi: 
  • September 19-23 - Legislative Visits
  • September 24 - Day of Public Action
  • September 25 - Parish Outreach

Confronting Environmental Racism from the Franciscan Action Network
  • A four part webinar series moving to different cities around the US, starting September 8 and ending December 8

Justice Reimagined Awards and Celebration from Catholic Mobilizing Network
  • In-person award banquet, October 10, 6:30pm, Washington DC
Contact CMSM JPIC

Dr. David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs & Managing Editor, Review for Religious
Visit us online: cmsm.org/justiceandpeace