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Immigrant support network at St. Camillus organizes courthouse prayer circle

Parishioners of St. Camillus Parish in Silver Spring gather Sept. 18 outside the building of the Hyattsville Immigration Court for a prayer circle in support of immigrant families facing deportation proceedings. Edwin Méndez of the Langley Park Catholic Center (holding microphone) joined parishioners in prayer and reflection. (Catholic Standard photo by Nicole Olea)

Outside the glass doors of the building of the Hyattsville Immigration Court on Sept. 18, the voices of St. Camillus parishioners rose in prayer for families facing detention and deportation. Forming a circle, they prayed and sang together, a public witness of solidarity with neighbors whose lives hang in the balance of immigration hearings.

The gathering, organized by the Silver Spring parish’s Immigration Support and Advocacy Network, combined Scripture readings, intercessions and hymns offered for immigrant families. For an hour, parishioners sought to make visible the Church’s promise of accompaniment and to bring comfort to those who often enter the courthouse in fear.

“We commend to God all those who have hearings today in Immigration Court and the entire immigrant community. We are here so that they feel the support of the Church and less fear,” the assembly prayed together, reading from a program prepared for the gathering.

Edwin Méndez of the Langley Park Catholic Center reflected on the suffering of parishioners who have lived in the United States for decades but now face the detention of spouses and children. “There is suffering going on across the nation and St. Camillus is experiencing that suffering itself,” he said.

Father John Heffernan attended the prayer circle, noting that his presence reflected the Franciscan call to accompany those who suffer and to stand with the marginalized.

Lay participants also offered reflections. Hillary Meek, a parishioner, said, “I am disgusted by attempts to round up and kick out immigrants from our country. I can’t imagine what our country would be like without the wonderful contributions and gifts of all the immigrants.”

Dan Campion, also of St. Camillus, noted the nation’s long history of receiving immigrants. “Historically the United States has welcomed immigrants, and we need to continue to do so. Yes, our system needs reform, and yes we have a right to secure our border, but people need due process and to be treated with mercy. We should not equate migration with criminality,” he said.

Campion added that Catholics should remain mindful of the Church’s teachings, be careful with the language they use, and advocate for just immigration policies.

Linda Mendoza, who teaches English at a local college, said of her students, “They have come here to work and to make a better life for themselves.”

Organizers emphasized that the prayer circle was both a spiritual witness and a call to action. “Send us now to act with courage, to love without barriers, to welcome without fear, and to cry out for justice,” parish leaders prayed in closing.

The Immigration Support and Advocacy Network, coordinated by Kathy Gallagher and Méndez, has committed to hosting prayer gatherings every two weeks outside the courthouse. This was their second event. The first gathering drew two families with hearings, who joined in prayer and song with the parishioners. No families directly involved in cases came forward at the Sept. 18 gathering.

Earlier this year, parishioners launched a petition and letter-writing campaign that drew more than 500 signatures, which were delivered to Maryland’s U.S. senators and several members of Congress. Information on parish immigration initiatives and local resources for migrants and asylum seekers is available at stcamilluschurch.org/immigration-resources.

Organizers of the Hyattsville prayer circle linked their efforts to a broader national campaign. On Oct. 22 and Nov. 13, Catholics across the country are invited to participate in public witness for immigrants through prayer services, vigils or rosaries near courthouses and detention centers.

A statement in the national call to action noted, “As Catholics and people of deep faith, we reject the culture of fear and silence that dehumanizes, and we choose instead to stand with migrants.”

The St. Camillus group plans to continue its local gatherings at 3311 Toledo Road in Hyattsville.



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