Bay Area Jesuit Groups to Hold Mass in Support of Immigration Reform

As part of a nationwide effort to advocate for civil discourse and movement on immigration law reform, five Bay Area Jesuit institutions will hold a Mass and reception on February 5 at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose at 2 p.m.

The theme of the gathering will be “The Jesuit Family Welcomes the Stranger,” and it will feature testimonials by immigrants from several continents discussing their experiences in the United States.

“One of the most fundamental tenets of our faith is to work for justice for those who have no voice or power to speak for themselves,” said Jesuit Father Michael E. Engh, president of Santa Clara University, who will concelebrate the Mass. “Jesuits and many lay supporters are united in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters to promote dialogue, reflection and action to bring about the humane reform of U.S. immigration laws.”

The gathering will include attendees from Santa Clara University, Bellarmine College Preparatory, Sacred Heart Nativity School, Most Holy Trinity Parish and the California Province of the Society of Jesus.

At the end of the Mass, participants will present Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren with letters to support humane immigration law reform.

“We share our humanity in God’s eyes,” said Jesuit Father John McGarry, provincial of the California Province. “While we understand the many dimensions of this issue, our legislators simply cannot ignore the suffering and inequity that the current legal patchwork is causing.” [Santa Clara University]