Rosary to pray for dignity of immigrants

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SALT LAKE CITY — Answering Pope Francis’ call to recognize immigrants’ right to dignity, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Salt Lake City will offer a rosary and benediction service to pray for this intention.

“We are doing this because the current words and actions by our government are creating fear, anxiety and trauma in the lives of people who have sought refuge in this country,” said Kathy Hoenig, an OLOL parishioner who is organizing the service.

The Catholic Church teaches that every human person, having been created in God’s image, inherently possesses dignity, and “everyone should be afforded this regardless of race, religion, politics or status of being here,” Hoenig said.

Pope Francis, in his letter to the American bishops that was published in February, “pointed out that we are called to look at the reality of our time which, he says, is clearly marked by the issue of migration and is a decisive moment to reaffirm not only our faith in God but also the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human person,” she said. “He has asked us to not give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters.”

Participating in the rosary and benediction service is important, she said, because “many of us today feel that we have no voice, but together we can lift up a strong, unified voice to our God asking for his help and guidance for those in our human family who live in fear and suffering.”

Gathering as one family of faith to give voice to the people most in need is essential because “as a Catholic family we gather to pray that God’s grace will be given to those who control our country’s immigration process and those who are affected by it,” Hoenig said. “This prayer is even more needed in these turbulent times. Prayer can also strengthen our faith during this Jubilee year as we seek to renew our faith and help our brothers and sisters in distress.”

She intentionally planned the service to take place on Palm Sunday.

“Jesus was joyfully welcomed into Jerusalem but not long after was arrested and condemned to death,” Hoenig said. “There is an interesting parallel to his story and that of the immigrant/migrant. One day they are welcomed and then they are not.”

Everyone is invited to attend the prayer service “and lift up a strong and unified voice to Our Blessed Mother in petition for the benefit of humanity and human dignity for all,” she said. “We also will be praying for the continued recovery of our beloved Pope Francis.”

WHAT: Rosary and Benediction to pray for the dignity of immigrants

WHEN: Palm Sunday, April 13, at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 670 South 1100 East, SLC

A potluck will follow; participants are asked to bring a dish to share with the community.