San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller recently addressed concerns surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of the Church in supporting vulnerable communities. He also announced a change in leadership at Catholic Charities San Antonio.
Archbishop’s Stance on Mass Attendance
Unlike some other bishops in the United States, Archbishop García-Siller will not issue a dispensation from attending Mass to individuals fearing deportation. “To tell people not to come to the sacramental life of the Church, and the community? No, I would not,” he stated. He expressed hope that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would prioritize the apprehension of violent criminals, leaving those who are “hardworking” and “in the process legally” undisturbed.
The archbishop affirmed his belief in a system of laws and order, but also voiced concern over what he described as a “persecution” of immigrants. He lamented the halting of legal immigration programs, such as temporary protected status (TPS), which he said has inadvertently created undocumented immigrants from individuals previously following legal pathways.
Drawing Parallels to Past Oppression
Archbishop García-Siller drew upon his personal experiences with religious persecution in 1960s Mexico to contextualize the current situation. He recalled a time when the 1917 Constitution and subsequent laws, leading to the Cristero War in 1926, restricted the Catholic Church’s rights – prohibiting ownership of property, clerical attire, and the establishment of religious orders. He stated that he, as a member of the clergy, was denied basic rights such as voting, earning a salary, and owning property.
He characterized the current immigration situation as “grotesque, infuriating, and depriving people of their human dignity,” and asserted that the repression is “so clear.” Despite acknowledging the United States’ right to secure its borders and remove criminals, he expressed dismay at the current approach.
New Leadership at Catholic Charities
In a separate announcement, Archbishop García-Siller revealed that Ada Saenz, currently the CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, will be the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities San Antonio. He expressed gratitude for Saenz’s faith and professional experience, stating that under her leadership, Catholic Charities can “think creatively about how to support the most impoverished, the most in need, the most persecuted in the country, which includes immigrants.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Archbishop García-Siller offer any assistance to immigrants fearing deportation?
Instead of a Mass dispensation, the archbishop stated his intention to “reach out to those who are hidden” by bringing catechists and Communion to their homes. He also pledged to provide food, clothing, medication, and other services as needed.
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
Temporary protected status is a legal immigration program that the archbishop said has been halted by the current administration, resulting in individuals who were previously following legal immigration procedures now being considered undocumented.
What historical context does the Archbishop use to explain his concerns?
Archbishop García-Siller referenced his childhood experiences in 1960s Mexico, where the Catholic Church faced significant restrictions under the 1917 Constitution and laws leading to the Cristero War, as a point of comparison to the current treatment of immigrants.
How might the appointment of a new leader at Catholic Charities impact the organization’s services and outreach to vulnerable populations?
