Catholic Masses for Immigrants Offer Prayers in the Time of ICE Raids

Maria Cibrian, a 67-year-old resident of Panorama City, is passionate about immigration issues. She is excited that the Catholic Church is holding Masses for immigrants, including the one that took place in downtown Los Angeles last Sunday and another upcoming service in the San Fernando Valley.

“Immigrants are currently the target of ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] raids and other attacks,” Cibrian expressed in Spanish. However, she remains hopeful for positive change through her Christian faith. “At these Masses, we pray especially for the protection of immigrants, and we honor their hard work and contributions to this country,” said the devout Catholic.

The upcoming Mass for Migrants and Refugees is scheduled for Oct. 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish in Sun Valley. This annual event will feature a Holy Hour, a Mass in Spanish and a multicultural celebration, with Bishop Albert Bahhuth presiding. 

Missionaries for Migrants

The Mass for Migrants and Refugees is reportedly the only one of its kind in the entire San Fernando Pastoral Region, which encompasses the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys. This may not be a coincidence, as the parish is staffed by the Scalabrinian Missionaries, a religious community whose calling is the pastoral care of migrants and refugees. 

Additionally, the church distributes a publication titled “National Immigration Week: A Collected Book of Prayers for Immigrants.” This book contains prayers and information about saints associated with migrants and those facing various hardships. Among these saints are St. Juan Diego, the first indigenous American saint, and St. Josephine Bakhita, who is recognized as the first female Black Catholic saint in modern times.

There are more than 56 parishes in the San Fernando Pastoral Region, with the majority located in the San Fernando Valley, according to lacatholics.org, the website of the Archdiocese of LA.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees 

The special Mass in Sun Valley commemorates the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which is usually observed on the last Sunday in September. However, this year it will be observed on Oct. 4 and 5, coinciding with the Jubilee of Migrants. 

Cibrian actively participates in Masses for immigrants alongside her coworkers from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 2015. She explained her motivation: “Our labor union advocates for immigration reform and the respect of immigrant rights.” 

The union represents long-term care workers. Last Sunday, she attended a special service at the LA Cathedral with four fellow union members from the valley. 

Now, Cibrian and a few coworkers aim to recruit around 80 union members to attend the upcoming Mass in Sun Valley. One of those coworkers is Esmeralda Medina from Pacoima.

Invitations

She stated in Spanish, “I’m inviting relatives, neighbors, friends, and acquaintances to join me at the Mass in support of our immigrant community.” The 52-year-old woman is a member of Mary Immaculate Church in her community, but also participates in the special Mass for immigrants at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish. She emphasized, “The Mass is important because it brings us all together.” 

Another SEIU member attending the Oct. 18 Mass is Xiomara Chavez of Arleta. “Everybody knows an immigrant and wants security and protection for all of them,” the 45-year-old woman expressed in Spanish. She has observed that ICE raids have negatively impacted church attendance. 

“Fewer people are going to my parish,” she said. “I’d estimate there’s been a drop of between 30 and 40%. That’s a significant decline; people are afraid.” Chavez noted some may turn to online services instead.

Lives Disrupted 

For immigrants, navigating the immigration crackdown has radically changed their lives. “Some of my neighbors have altered their daily routines,” Chavez said. “They go out less, even for basic things like buying groceries or going to work. Many stay home. This breaks my heart.”

To support undocumented immigrants, the Archdiocese of LA launched a new program in July. The Family Assistance Program aims to help parishes provide meals, groceries and medicine to families affected by ICE raids, according to media reports. 

“Many of our friends, family members, neighbors, and fellow parishioners are afraid and anxious,” Archbishop Jose H. Gomez remarked at the time. “These are good, hardworking men and women – people of faith who have been in this country for a long time and are making important contributions to our economy.

“Now, they are scared to go to work or be seen in public for fear of being arrested,” he added.

The Archdiocese is reportedly also collaborating with LA city officials to support migrants.

In Panorama City, Cibrian hopes that the Mass for Migrants and Refugees will inspire community members to advocate for immigrants who cannot be there. She notes that in past years, this special Mass, held in the Holy Rosary Parish parking lot, drew about 300 attendees. 

Cibrian stated, “We must have the courage to continue defending immigrants,” adding that, “So far, the response from the community has been positive.”