Author: Charles Dittmeier

Migration

Complex challenges arise when our neighbor happens to be an immigrant. Ideally, unnecessary migration ought to be avoided; this entails creating in countries of origin the conditions needed for a dignified life and integral development. Yet until substantial progress is made in achieving this goal, we are obliged to respect the right of all individuals to find a place that meets their basic needs and those of their families, and where they can find personal fulfillment. Our response to the arrival of migrating persons can be summarized by four words: welcome, protect, promote and integrate.

Pope Francis in Fratelli Tutti, §129

(Unwanted) Night Light

This is my bedroom at Nazareth Home Clifton. It’s quite simple but just what I need–except for the brilliant security light shining into my room from the wall across a little courtyard. The light wouldn’t be so bad except that the blinds are plastic and translucent, i.e., they let light through. The security light is bright enough that it casts shadows in my room even with the blinds closed. My sister Mary has access to some light-blocking curtains and I’m waiting till she can pick them up.

Migration

Pope Francis

No one can remain excluded because of his or her place of birth, much less because of privileges enjoyed by others who were born in lands of greater opportunity. The limits and borders of individual states cannot stand in the way of this. As it is unacceptable that some have fewer rights by virtue of being women, it is likewise unacceptable that the mere place of one’s birth or residence should result in his or her possessing fewer opportunities for a developed and dignified life.

Fratelli Tutti, §121

Guess where it’s from?

When I got my new e-bike—a top end Trek model—I didn’t pay much attention to any of the labels on it. But then a day or two later, I noticed it was made in Cambodia! I knew bicycles are becoming a major export from Cambodia but didn’t know they were making high-end models and I certainly never thought that I’d end up buying one of them in Louisville!

Migration

#39 in Fratelli Tutti by Pope Francis

“…In some host countries, migration causes fear and alarm, often fomented and exploited for political purposes. This can lead to a xenophobic mentality, as people close in on themselves, and it needs to be addressed decisively”. [40] Migrants are not seen as entitled like others to participate in the life of society, and it is forgotten that they possess the same intrinsic dignity as any person. Hence they ought to be “agents in their own redemption”. [41] No one will ever openly deny that they are human beings, yet in practice, by our decisions and the way we treat them, we can show that we consider them less worthy, less important, less human. For Christians, this way of thinking and acting is unacceptable, since it sets certain political preferences above deep convictions of our faith: the inalienable dignity of each human person regardless of origin, race or religion, and the supreme law of fraternal love.

Pope Francis

More old friends

Today six of us alumni from the former St. Thomas Seminary met for lunch at Kingfish in Louisville. I really appreciate these gatherings. For two decades or so, my return from Hong Kong or Cambodia would be the opportunity to get together with good friends. Today it was noted this is the last time we would celebrate my return from mission in Asia.

These people are important. If it were not for my family and friends, I would not have returned from Cambodia. Life would be much simpler and easier living in Cambodia than it will be here in the United States.

A Welcome Visitor

Don Stosberg, an old friend from St. Thomas Seminary, drove from Frankfort today for a visit. We had a good sandwich at a picnic table on the old St. Joseph Orphanage grounds while we caught up on our doings over a half century. (Demonstrably, I’m NOT a good selfie photographer!)