In the United States, attitudes toward migrants and
refugees have varied widely, but one group has predictably
been on the spot to offer aid, shelter, and spiritual solace:
religious communities of men and women.
THROUGHOUT U.S. history, religious orders have responded to the needs of migrants, immigrants, and refugees who have landed on the country’s shores or arrived at its borders. Most recently, at the border between the UnitedStates and Mexico, Catholic sisters, priests, and brothers have helped newcomerswith food, medicine, clothing, spiritual comfort, and advocacy. With the outbreakof COVID- 19, they were also quick to respond to the safety and health needs ofthese vulnerable groups.
In all of this they are not alone. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops hasissued multiple statements in defense of the human rights of migrants, immigrants,and refugees, and bishops have encouraged the faithful to press for more humanepolicies. =
Religious orders aid
and advocate for migrants
SISTER JONILuna, S.P. (left)takes part in ademonstrationof solidaritywith migrants,immigrants,and refugees.
BY SUSAN FLANSBURG
COUR TES Y OF SIS TERS OF PROVIDENCE, SAINT MAR Y-OF-THE-WOODS, IN
Susan Flansburg producesonline andprint contentfor businesses,nonprofits, andindividuals atFlansburg Siv-ell Communications. Shehas workedfor many yearswith religiouscommunities.
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