DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The Catholic Diocese of Dallas announced Wednesday that it had joined Pope Francis’ worldwide initiative to support immigrants.
Bishop Edward J. Burns said the Diocese will participate in the Share the Journey global campaign to support migrants around the world. Bishop Burns was joined by clergy, lay leaders and immigrants from around the Dallas diocese at the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe to launch the program.
With Share the Journey, Burns said the Catholic Church hopes to dispel widespread fear of newcomers and to raise awareness of Gospel teaching and the words of Christ on welcoming immigrants.
The initiative comes at a time when rhetoric surrounding the Sanctuary Cities Law in Texas is creating fear in immigrant communities.
“I do not recall that there has been such sentiment to cause members of an immigrant community to have such fear that members of a family are going to be ripped apart,” Bishop Burns said.
The law allows Police to ask about a person’s immigration status during a routine stop. Many immigrants have been hesitant to approach Police in fear they may be deported.
“When I had a parishioner in one of our parishes who would not report a stolen vehicle because they are afraid of law enforcement agencies,” said Bishop Burns. “Their rights are being taken away. Their right to peace.”
The Dallas Diocese is encouraging Catholics to better understand why so many people are compelled to leave their homes at this time in history. Pope Francis has said he hopes the initiative will inspire communities to build relationships with refugees and immigrants, and to love their neighbors in the U.S. and around the world in a variety of ways. Bishop Burns said parishes, Catholic schools and organizations will participate in the Share the Journey campaign.
“It’s in knowing them personally that we recognize the hardships that they face,” said Bishop Burns. “When we recognize their hardships, hopefully are hearts are moved with compassion.”
Along with Pope Francis, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Charities USA, and the Church’s global charitable network, Caritas Internationalis are collaborating in the effort.
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