Thread: Catholic shrine reflects gratitude for SB 1070 setback

Makeshift Catholic shrine reflects gratitude for SB 1070 setback

ArizonaCentral.com
by Emily Gersema

Parishioners of several Phoenix Catholic churches opposed to Arizona's immigration law gathered late Wednesday with other residents in front of a makeshift shrine to the Virgin of Guadalupe, lighting candles and praying the rosary while celebratory mariachi music played.

Hours after a federal judge in Phoenix knocked down key portions of Senate Bill 1070, more than 300 residents who opposed the law gathered to voice relief, shed tears and offer prayers. Some of the church members had been at the grounds nearly every day in protest since Gov. Jan Brewer signed the bill in late April.

Maria Villapando said she came frequently to the Capitol since early May to pray and hope the law would be stopped.

On Wednesday, she lit a candle, kneeled and prayed the rosary in celebration.

"I pray to give thanks to the mother of Jesus, who gave us a miracle," said Villapando, a member of St. Philip the Deacon Catholic Center near 20th and Van Buren streets. "Our faith kept us strong."

Critics said the law would sanction racial profiling against Hispanics. Proponents said it would accomplish what they feel the federal government failed to do: reduce illegal immigration and crime.

U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton on Wednesday halted the requirement that police officers verify a person's immigration status based on reasonable suspicion that he or she is an undocumented immigrant. In addition, she halted a provision that would have required immigrants to always carry their registration papers or face possible deportation.

A national Catholic organization, Pax Christi USA, led protesters at the Capitol through songs and read Bible stories filled with messages of tolerance. The organization is widely supported by several Phoenix Catholic churches.

Pax Christi on April 30 posted online a message in protest of the immigration law.

"As Christians we must object to the very un-Christian manner in which our county, state and federal governments are treating our sisters and brothers in Christ, created and loved by the One God," the group wrote. "Our immigration laws must be changed to allow for legal immigration of those who wish to live and work here, as well as the uncomplicated return of workers to their homes and families after their work here is finished."

At first glance, the congregations of the churches that work with Pax Christi and its local chapters appear united in their opposition of the Arizona law. But the Rev. Raymond Ritari said he has heard pro and con statements from members of his Phoenix church, St. Matthew Catholic Church, near 20th Drive and Van Buren Street.

"I've had some parishioners here who are very pro-Senate Bill 1070," he said. "They say, 'Well, you know, it's their own fault.' "

Some of them are Mexican-Americans, Ritari said. He urges them to rethink their views.

"I'm very honest with them. I say: I'm just flabbergasted with that kind of response, especially with what I preach from the pulpit. I might be angry with you, as well. I'm sorry that you are wrong and that these laws that are being passed are very un-Christian. They're only going to cause more fear and more anger among people."

Ritari and several of his flock marched from there to the Capitol nearly every Friday this month in what he called a "pilgrimage" because it encouraged participants to think about their spiritual beliefs and the teachings of the Church.

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/ ... z0vdbNCGUY

"You have a marvelous virgin," Clinton tells Mexicans


Los Angeles Times
-- Andrew Malcolm
March 30, 2009



Sen. Hillary Clinton continued her bruising assault on Sen. Barack Obama's inexperience during the ongoing Democratic primary struggles over the weekend.

Oh, wait. That was last year. The other day as his secretary of State, Clinton was in Mexico sharing the blame for that country's gun-blazing, head-chopping drug wars. But the Methodist took time out in Mexico City to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to deliver a bouquet of white flowers on behalf of the American people.

Catholics believe that almost 500 years ago the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously imprinted on the cloak of St. Juan Diego, who became the Catholic church's first saint indigenous to the Americas in 2002. According to news agency reports, the basilica's rector, Msgr. Diego Monroy, had had the image lowered from its altar for a closer look by the visiting dignitary.

"Who painted it?" Clinton asked.

"God," the rector replied.

Clinton also lighted a candle during her 30-minute visit and, on her way out told a crowd of Mexicans, "You have a marvelous virgin."

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washing ... inton.html

Dobbs: Democratic hacks embrace lunacy of amnesty

Lou Dobbs
POSTED: 5:12 p.m. EST, March 7, 2007

Cardinal Mahoney has said point blank that his followers should disregard laws on immigration as a matter of Catholic conscience.

This is the same Cardinal who fought all the way to the Supreme Court to keep secret all documents related to pedophilia among priests.

But the Cardinal and other Catholic leaders are quick to embrace the laws of bankruptcy protection in order to not compensate victims of sexual abuse by members of the clergy and keep them out of the U.S. judicial system. So far, five such dioceses have done just that.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/03/06/dobbs. ... index.html