Introduction

We gather to remember the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, who responded to the Gospel's call to welcome the stranger by ministering to immigrants and serving the most vulnerable of God's people. We join in solidarity with the Institute Leadership Conference, and all those who in call upon the United States government for a fair and compassionate immigration policy, and we urge lawmakers to address the root causes of migration and poverty.

First Reading: Leviticus 19: 33-34

When aliens settle with you in your land, you shall not oppress them. They shall be treated as native-born among you, and you shall love them as people like yourselves, because you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Second Reading: A Place at the Table: A Pastoral Reflection of the U.S. Catholic Bishops (2002)

Catholic teaching affirms that all persons, even those on the margins of society, have basic human rights: the right to life and to those things that are necessary to the proper development of life, including faith and family, work and education, housing and health care...Our Church's commitment to find a place at the table for all God's children is expressed in every part of our country and in the poorest places on earth.

Third Reading: Public Statement on Immigration (Fourth Institute Chapter of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 2005)

As an Institute, we recognize an urgent duty and challenge to stand in solidarity with immigrants seeking fullness of life. We say to you immigrants who are in our midst: We welcome you to our land; as a people, we are enriched by your presence. We will use our influence to advocate that services be offered to you at ministries sponsored by or directed by the Sisters of Mercy.

Time for Quiet Reflection

Music is appropriate, either instrumental or vocal.

The Gospel: Matthew 25: 34-40

For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me; naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me; in prison and you came to visit me... The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my sisters or brothers, you did it for me.

Intercessions

Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

For an end to the violence and poverty that displaces so many people from their homes and homelands, we pray to the Lord.

For migrant workers, that they may labor and live in safe and just conditions, we pray to the Lord.

For the families and children of migrant workers, that they be reunited, we pray to the Lord.

For an end to human trafficking, that the dignity of all God's children will be acknowledged and protected, we pray to the Lord.

For our law-makers, that they establish and enforce laws that protect the rights and dignity of everyone, especially those most vulnerable in our country, we pray to the Lord.

For employers and corporations, that they choose the dignity and worth of each human person over profit and power, we pray to the Lord.

For our Mercy community, that we may continue to serve those without homes and resources, and that we speak out for just immigration reform, we pray to the Lord.

Spoken aloud together:
"We choose to stand with and assist those who are forced to move from their homelands and seek economic and physical survival elsewhere. Our commitment to a merciful way of life demands that we meet, by direct service and systemic change, the needs of those who suffer... We seek to educate ourselves and others to the underlying causes of migration. We will continue to welcome and assist those who seek hope, home and labor in this country. We are in this country because Mercy Sisters have accompanied immigrant people since 1843. Today we can do no less. The Gospel and the directives of our religious congregation call us to help. We welcome the invitation to be true to the call." -- Letter from the Institute Leadership Team to The New York Times
Amen.