Photo credit: Archdiocese of Chicago
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago reassured migrants in his archdiocese that reports of a possible mass deportation by a new administration in Washington that would target the Chicago area “Wound us deeply.”
OSV News reports that priests in Chicago’s St Rita of Cascia Parish in the city’s Chicago Lawn neighbourhood stood in solidarity with local immigrants, inviting them for a special Mass in their intention Jan. 19.
Father Larry Dowling said, “It is really important to be present to let people know, we will be there whenever we can to support them.”
According to ABC, priests blessed pastoral packs for families who may face deportation. The packs included a prayer shawl, rosary, and a statue of the patron saint of immigrants.
After Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, his administration ended use of a border app called CBP One. A note appeared instead on the app’s website: “Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One that previously allowed undocumented aliens to submit advance information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry is no longer available, and existing appointments have been cancelled.”
Nearly a million people legally entered the US since the app was introduced with eligibility to work.
Before Inauguration Day, the incoming administration threatened to further crackdown on the border and carry out a deportation plan quickly – starting in Chicago, according to press reports.
Cardinal Cupich is among church leaders in Mexico and the US who support migrants threatened by deportation and are urging a readiness to receive them.
