THE CHURCH WE WANT

POPE CALLS US TO SAFEGUARD THE NEEDS OF THE MIGRANT

During the month of August, Pope Benedict XVI has asked us to pray for those who have been forced to emigrate. Jesus said that people will be judged based on whether they welcomed the stranger (Matthew 25:35). In his third encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), Pope Benedict called for policies among nations for "safeguarding the needs and rights of individual migrants and their families, and at the same time, those of the host countries."

Challenged by these and other Scriptures, the Holy Father asks us to pray with him that the Church may be a home for all people in need. "Every migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance." As members of the Body of Christ, our hearts should go out to those in need just as Jesus' Heart does.

Leviticus 19: When an alien resides with you in your land, do not molest him. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; have the same love for him as for yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt.

Reflection : Immigration is a difficult and controversial issue. How are my own views challenged by what the Pope says? Do I see ways in which welcoming the immigrant relates to the sanctity of life?

Source of Item: NCRLC

A PRIEST OF COURAGE—FR. ROY BOURGEOIS

On July 22, 2010, SISTERS ONLINE learned that the Maryknoll Brothers and Fathers have withdrawn their annual donation of $17,000 to the School of Americas Watch because its founder, Maryknoll priest Roy Bourgeois, supports women's ordination.

Naturally, we are very disappointed in the decision that will deeply affect SOA Watch staff and the people of Latin America as well who work in partnership with SOA Watch to protect their families and communities.

SISTERS ONLINE has been present at the front gates of Ft. Benning for many years to protest the SOA/WHINSEC operations. We are saddened that Maryknoll has done this to their brother priest. At the same time, we are heartened by Roy Bourgeois and other priests of courage who stand with the movement for women's equality in the church and do not let a decision like this stop their advocacy.

Our prayers go out to Fr. Roy!

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$5.2 million—Estimated Vatican budget deficit for 2009. The Holy See has lost money for three years in a row, despite a 9% increase in donations.

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CATHOLIC SISTERS HONORED

Representative Marcy Kaptur's House Resolution honoring Catholic sisters for their contributions fo the history of the U.S. came to the floor of the House on September 22 with 67 cosponsors and was approved by a 412-0 vote. The LCWR office has thanked Rep. Kaptur for initiating this resolution. On september 24 the history exhibit opens in Dallas, so the timing of the vote was perfect.