Today is July 4th, a day we here in the United States celebrate our history, our independence, and our freedom. As we gather with family and friends, let us also remember thousands of our sisters and brothers are at our southern border who also seek these freedoms today.
PROVERBS Chapter 31: 8-9
Open your mouth on behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!
The USCCB has offered, in response to the current threat of mass deportation, conditions for those in Federal Custody and the tragic photo of the father and his baby daughter who drowned crossing the Rio Grande a joint statement that included “All people, regardless of their country of origin or legal status, are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. Recent reports of overcrowded and unsanitary conditions are appalling and unacceptable for any person in U.S. custody, but particularly for children, who are uniquely vulnerable. Such conditions cannot be used as tools of deterrence. We can and must remain a country that provides refuge for children and families fleeing violence, persecution, and acute poverty.”
Mission Doctors joins the USCCB in this sentiment and invites us all to pray and act and speak on behalf of those who are suffering today.
While this is not the work of Mission Doctors Association, we are happy to point to Catholic Charities who are working to provide care for this vulnerable community and who are advocating to help ensure that those currently being held are treated humanely https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/advocacy/action-center/ Please consider a donation to Catholic Charities to help their work on behalf of those who do not have a voice, who are destitute and need our help.
Our prayers are important, and so are our actions.
Please pray for all those who are suffering and afraid today, and do what you can to help elevate that suffering by joining with those who are working every day to lift that burden. Together we can be the light of hope that so many long to find.