May 21 – 29 Week for Oblate Novena of Prayers: A Call of Solidarity for Immigration Reform
May 21st, 2010
From May 21st to May 29th, Missionary Oblate communities and parishes around the world are encouraged to participate in actions of prayer and reflection for vocations to Oblate life and mission. May 21 is the Feast of St. Eugene and May 29 is the anniversary of Blessed Joseph Gerard, the Oblate Missionary who worked in Lesotho. These nine days bring oblates, associates, parishioners, mission partners and friends together in prayer and reflection on oblate life and mission.
As an addition to the Oblate JPIC immigration advocacy work and several prayer vigils for immigration reform across the United States, this week of prayers provides an opportunity to engage in prayer of solidarity for those living on the margins of society. Especially vulnerable are the millions of immigrants who live in constant fear of deportation and family separation due to their immigration status.
There is much skepticism about the possibility of comprehensive immigration reform this year. Many people are asking, how can Congress possibly get anything done right now, with such a heavy agenda and a ticking clock before midterm elections in November 2010? Action on comprehensive immigration reform is not yet clear. Nevertheless, what is clear is the broken immigration system and the divisive, partisan debate on how to fix the problem. People of faith need to move all of us beyond the anger and fear, stereotypes and slogans that too often take over any important immigration reform discussion.
For more see Oblate prayer novena (PDF) produced by Anglo-Irish Province Vocation Office. (Download PDF)
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