- June 28, 2019 Social Justice
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet stand in solidarity with Pope Francis and Bishop Vasquez in the belief that all people are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect.
In the words of Bishop Joe S. Vasquez, USCCB Committee on Migration:
"We join with our Holy Father Pope Francis in immense sadness, having seen the horrific images of Oscar Martinez and his daughter, Angie Valeria, who drowned in the Rio Grande Valley while attempting to flee persecution and enter the United States. This image cries to heaven for justice. This image silences politics. Who can look on this picture and not see the results of the failures of all of us to find a humane and just solution to the immigration crisis? Sadly, this picture shows the daily plight of our brothers and sisters. Not only does their cry reach heaven. It reaches us. And it must now reach our federal government.
All people, regardless of their country of origin or legal status, are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. Recent reports of overcrowded and unsanitary conditions are appalling and unacceptable for any person in U.S. custody, but in particular for children, who are uniquely vulnerable. Such conditions cannot be used as tools of deterrence. We can and must remain a country that provides refuge for children and families fleeing violence, persecution, and acute poverty."