Church – Page 3 – Welcome to Cambodia, and…..

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

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

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

Notable Quotes

“Now more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace…. War does not solve problems. On the contrary, it amplifies them and causes deep wounds in the history of peoples—wounds that take generations to heal. No military victory can ever compensate for a mother’s pain, a child’s fear, or a stolen future.”

Pope Leo XIV

Finding my way

Fr. Jerry Eiffler’s sister died and he presided at her funeral today at Holy Spirit Church in Louisville. Jerry and I are friends and live close by so I attended.

The church is only 2.5 miles from Nazareth Home Clifton where I live and I biked over there, the first time I’ve used my bicycle for a “churchy” event. It was also the first time I wore the black suit I had made in Cambodia shortly before departing. Not to attract too much attention, I put my suit coat in my backpack and wore a windbreaker.

US Bishops: One Big Beautiful Bill

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Trump’s signature bill:

“The final version of he bill includes unconscionable cuts to healthcare and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation.”

Immigration: US attitude

According to a recent Gallup poll, the number of American people in favor of immigration has reached a record high, 79%. In 2024, 55% thought immigration should be reduced. Now that number favoring a reduction is 30% in 2025.

The American public has greater sensitivity and more Christ-like values than our present Washington administration.

Theme for Day of Peace

January 1st each year is celebrated as an international day for peace. Today Pope Leo announced the theme for this year’s celebration.

The theme for the January 1, 2026 Day of Peace is:“Peace be with you all: Towards an ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace.” The theme “invites humanity to reject the logic of violence and war, and to embrace an authentic peace based on love and justice.”

It was interesting that at the 50th anniversary of the Maryknoll Lay Missioners last weekend, Marie Dennis announced a new peace initiative from Pax Christi. Marie was previously the director of the Maryknoll peace and justice office, and then was national head of Pax Christi, and then international head of Pax Christi. She now directs the international Pax Christi’s Catholic Non-violence Initiative. It is an attempt to put non-violence at the center of Catholic theology. They are meeting with Vatican officials about that in October.

The pope has also written a book on peace, with the title “And let there be peace.”

MKLM Anniversary/Monday

Actually this was the day after the anniversary weekend. I had planned two days post-anniversary to visit friends at Maryknoll but things didn’t work out that way.

At breakfast I felt a little soreness in my throat and wondered if I was coming down with something, and then learned that one of the people at the weekend’s anniversary festivities had tested positive for Covid on returning home and called back to New York to tell us.

I canceled my plans to visit the elderly guys at the seminary building and basically stayed in my room all day except for visiting some offices after breakfast before the Covid scare. But by lunch time my throat soreness was gone and with the negative test, I’m declaring myself virus free and getting on with life till I leave after lunch tomorrow.