The Challenge of Immigration Reform

Yesterday Myrna and I had a discussion that included, among other things, the challenges presented by undocumented immigrants in the United States - the challenges being faced by these immigrants and the challenges being faced by citizens and documented immigrants. In the discussion I mentioned that, while the U.S. bishops said a nation does have the right to control its borders, people who do cross the border without going through proper procedures should not be treated like dirt. This type of stand may be making the Church unpopular among some people, but the Church is called to proclaim and live the Gospel message, whether that message meets the approval of others or not.

It "just so happens" that the current issue of the quarterly Glenmary magazine, Glenmary Challenge, addresses this issue:
Glenmary Challenge: "Immigration Reform"

The United States and Mexican bishops addressed this issue  in a 2003 joint pastoral letter, "Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope":
Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States 

This pastoral letter focuses on five principles from the tradition of church teachings with regard to migration issues:
   1. Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland.
   2. Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families.
   3. Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders.
   4. Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection.
   5. The human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants should be respected.

Pope John Paul II, in his 1995 World Migration Day message, stated that "In the Church no one is a stranger, and the Church is not foreign to anyone, anywhere. As a sacrament of unity and thus a sign and a binding force for the whole human race, the Church is the place where illegal immigrants are also recognized and accepted as brothers and sisters. It is the task of the various Dioceses actively to ensure that these people, who are obliged to live outside the safety net of civil society, may find a sense of brotherhood in the Christian community. Solidarity means taking responsibility for those in trouble."

Is there a need for immigration reform? Yes, most definitely. However, irregardless of how this reform proceeds, it would behoove us to remember, as the bishops stated in their pastoral letter, "[t]he Church must, therefore, welcome all persons regardless of race, culture, language, and nation with joy, charity, and hope. It must do so with special care for those who find themselves – regardless of motive – in situations of poverty, marginalization, and exclusion."

A Reflection on Sharing

During Lent we are encouraged in a special way to pray, fast, and give alms. Giving to those in need, while it has a special emphasis during Lent, is important throughout the year. Yesterday Myrna and I were talking about this, and we both agree that there are a great number of worthwhile causes. We both agree it is important to share the blessings we have with those in need, and we pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance in this regard.

Over the years I've acquired some favorite causes. Heading the list is my own parish, whether it be Sacred Heart (in North Attleborough), St. Teresa (Providence), St. Adalbert (Providence), St. Patrick (Providence), or, now, St. Maria Goretti (Pawtucket). Then comes the local conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society (or its equivalent), which works in the parish area (and beyond) to offer service to people need.

Also high on the list is the Diocesan Catholic Charity Fund (or its equivalent), which supports ministries and services throughout the diocese. Over the years I've seen Catholic Charity funding put to good use at the St. Martin de Porres Center (one of the first non-parish/college ministries I participated in when I first came to Rhode Island as a Providence College student), in various youth ministry activities, and in a variety of other ministries.

After that, there are causes that are important to me, especially (in no particular order):

The Christophers (http://www.christophers.org/),
Catholic Relief Services (http://crs.org/),
The Salesians of Don Bosco (http://www.salesianmissions.org/),
Glenmary Home Missioners (http://www.glenmary.org/),
The Catholic Church Extension Society (http://www.catholicextension.org/),
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith (http://www.onefamilyinmission.org/),
EWTN (http://www.ewtn.org/), and (recently)
Catholic TV (http://www.catholictv.com/).

Obviously, I/we can't always give to each, so choices have to be made. I do believe it is important, though, for one to make a choice to support one or more causes (beginning with one's own church community, and then in the community/world at large). The needs are great - they seem to be even greater during the current economic conditions. It is important that we help to the extent we can.

Note: I am happy to recommend any of these causes to anyone who is trying to discern how to put funds to good use in assisting others.

A Firm Foundation of Knowledge

“A firm foundation of knowledge is a constant source of strength.”

(from the March page in the Motivations – 2010 Inspired Visions Calendar)

National Consumer Protection Week

The week of 7-13 March is National Consumer Protection Week, which is designated to highlight consumer protection and education efforts across the country. This year’s theme, "Dollars & Sense: Rated 'A' for All Ages," is designed to highlight the importance of using good consumer sense at every stage of life – from grade school to retirement.

For background information and tips, check out the National Consumer Protection Week web site:
National Consumer Protection Week 2010

A Really Patient Man

“A really patient man neither complains nor seeks to be pitied; he will speak simply and truly of his trouble, without exaggerating its weight or bemoaning himself.” - St. Francis de Sales

This was yesterday's quote from the web page "Daily Quote from St. Francis de Sales." Although I have never thought of myself as a really patient man (In my younger years, I had quite a temper, and it took a long time, with the good Lord's help, to keep my temper under control.), I do try not to complain and prefer not to be pitied.

Speaking simply about my trouble? Hmm - more often than not I don't speak of it at all, which I've been advised (by many people over the years) is not always a good thing.

I do try to offer these troubles up though. A part of my daily prayer goes something like "Dear Lord, I offer You any sufferings, aches and pains, discomforts, botherings, frustrations, discombobulations facing me this day and all my attempts to do any duties - whether they be family, work, parish, citizen, or other, as well as any other related activities.  May they be some measure of comfort to You in Your passion, even if it's just easing the slightest iota of Your suffering." (The words may vary, but the basic intention is there.)

Better to Light One Candle

Many people have heard me talk about or write my comments about or from the Christophers. I was first introduced to the Christophers in my youth - I remember watching their television programs, and I especially remember being introduced to their motto, "It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." For decades now their mission has been to encourage people of all ages and from all walks of life to use their God-given talents to make a positive difference in the world.

One means used by the Christophers to encourage others to become Christ-bearers, “Christophers” in the most fundamental sense of the word, is through daily prayerful reflections entitled "Three Minutes a Day." These reflections, published in book format and on The Christophers' web site, daily encourage readers to look at one way in which they can bring positive and constructive values into the mainstream of life.

Today's "Three Minutes a Day" reflection from The Christophers:

Better to Light One Candle

The Christopher motto that “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness” means many things to many people. To business owners and managers it can be a reminder that they and their corporations can make a positive difference. Here are some ideas from the Woodstock Theological Center (TJL note: The Woodstock Theological Center is an independent research institute located at Georgetown University; their web site is http://woodstock.georgetown.edu/):

* Have a purpose and goals that serve the larger community.

* Be concerned about the impact of actions.

* Avoid deception and careless misrepresentation of facts.

* Keep commitments with competence and quality.

* Distribute burdens and benefits equally.

* Avoid improper influences or conflicts of interest and

        be loyal in executing managerial duties.

* Be fair, honest and reliable with individuals.

       Respect individual autonomy and privacy.

* Exercise care with tangible property, patents,

       confidential information and real estate.

Ethical corporations are a necessary pillar of an ethical society.


"Set an example." (Judith 8:24)

Prayer: Encourage owners, managers and employees of corporations to set an example of principled behavior, Wisdom. Thank you.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord

Today's first reading (Thursday of the Second Week of Lent):

"Thus says the Lord: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. More tortuous than all else is the human heart, beyond remedy; who can understand it? I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart, To reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds."  Jeremiah 17:5-10

A reflection by Saint Hilary of Poitiers on Fear of the Lord

In a commentary on the psalms, Saint Hilary of Poitiers wrote about Fear of the Lord. St. Hilary was a 4th century bishop of Poitiers, France, and a respected theologian of his age. He was was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX.

Click on this link to read his reflection:

St. Hilary of Poitiers: The Fear of the Lord

Lenten Reflections from Congregations of Providence

The Women of Providence in Collaboration (WPC), an association including the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and other North American congregations of Catholic women religious who bear the name and charism of Providence, has prepared a series of fifteen Lenten reflections based on quotes about Providence spirituality. This link leads to their Lenten reflection web page:

Women of Providence 2010 Lenten Reflections

Reflection Starter

One of the antiphons from today's Office of Readings: "Entrust your journey to the Lord, and he will act." (which is from Psalm 37)

From the psalm itself:
"Put your trust in the Lord and do good,
     and your land and habitation will be secure.
Take your delight in the Lord,
     and he will give you what your heart desires.

Entrust your journey to the Lord,
     and hope in him: and he will act." (Psalm 37:3-5)

Christian Music Note

I recently found out that one of the persons I work with, Mike Catanzaro, is part of the team that runs The Upper Room, a Christian coffeehouse in West Warwick (RI).

Years ago, when Myrna and I were first going out, I periodically would take her to one of the area Christian coffee houses (if I remember correctly, we went to ones in Attleboro, Providence, and Warwick). I remember confiding with her about a dream I had for a monthly newsletter covering Christian music events (coffeehouses, concerts, etc.) throughout New England, with one list covering the artists and where they were appearing and another list covering venues and the Christian music events happening there.

This dream did become a reality, and, for many years, I published the monthly newsletter, New England Christian Music. Unfortunately, it eventually became too much for me to continue doing it the way I was (the time for the research, editing, etc.), and I had to discontinue it. I still occasionally think wistfully of this venture and wonder if there is a way I could do it online or in some other way. Oh, well. . . .

I am very grateful the support I received from the various artists and from the people running the venues, and I do ask the Lord's continued blessing on each of them and thier ministry.

Patience with Self

Today's quote from St. Francis De Sales (see links) advises me to "Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself." Patience with self - I'm much better now than I used to be, but it's still a work in progress.

Editorial errors that I make, especially when I am in a hurry and don't proofread as well as I should, are a cause for concern. I try to be highly accurate with any written item - both with the facts involved and their interpretation as well as their presentation (mechanics, grammar, communication that does not lead to misinterpretation, etc.). I've become very good at kicking myself when I mess up in these areas, although I've become better at accepting these errors as learning opportunities and/or reinforcements and at offering them up as acts of penance.

Sometimes when I am in a hurry and do little stupid things (like spilling sugar on the counter), things that technically go against the laws of physics, I get a little upset. However, if three such little things happen in a row, I tend to laugh and smile at God. Many years ago while I was teaching at St. Patrick School, I was inspired to offer up some little acts as a prayer for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on an upcoming faculty retreat. Shortly after I made that offering, I did one little stupid thing (the passing of years has clouded what the specifics were), and I scowled. Another little aggravating thing happened, and I scowled some more (I was doing something in the kitchen, and, the way I remember it, I was a little pressed for time.). Then a third little thing happened - and I stopped, remembered my little offering just serveral minutes earlier, burst out laughing, and shook my forefinger at God in a joking way (for He had taken me up on my offer, and I didn't initially catch on).

So, patience with myself is a work in progress, and the good Lord continues to give or allow many opportunities to practice this attribute.