Prayer of Solidarity With Immigrants | The Basilica of Saint Mary

Basilica Immigrant Support Ministry meetings typically open with a prayer of solidarity with immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Many ISM members were particularly moved by a prayer Br. Michael Kadow wrote specifically for one of our meetings. Here, Br. Michael shares his experiences that led him to his ministry of service and the prayer he shared.

Inspiring a Prayer: Support for Immigrants and Migrants

My influence in working with and being sympathetic to immigrants, migrants, etc. began in the early 1980s when I became a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers religious institute and began teaching in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Inviting students from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, as guest speakers into my World Geography class, I heard firsthand about experiences of those from other lands who were living in the U.S.

I began to directly minister with immigrants in 2002. Becoming involved in a new ministry in Racine, Wisconsin, serving the children of Mexican-American families, I encountered many who were recent immigrants and who had to navigate the unchartered waters of life in the U.S. As I worked, prayed and socialized with these families, I came to identify with them and re-identify with my Polish-American immigrant roots. Knowing of their stories, aspirations and talent-laden lives, I came to see their cause and my own as one. Moving to Minneapolis, I continue this journey.

The face of the immigrant and the migrant is the same as native-born citizens, fast-forwarded into the present. Their dreams and hopes, along with their struggles and challenges, were those of my family members and many of our ancestors.

I believe that as a world citizen I am moved to hear the Church’s call, and indeed, that of the Scriptures to welcome the stranger. As a Catholic and a part of the Body of Christ, I am challenged by the attitudes of so many U.S. citizens who do not seem to see the advantage as well as the duty to welcome the newly arrived. This brings me to pray, advocate and minister with the immigrant community.

I continue to be a voice for immigrant and migrant rights at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, where I serve. I am happy to tutor with a group of our students on a weekly basis at another school in Minneapolis, in a part of the city where many immigrant families live. Being a new participant in the Immigration Ministry at the Basilica, I contribute what I can to the Basilica stance of being an open and justice seeking community.

Learn more about the Immigrant Support Ministry at mary.org/ism

Prayer of Solidarity With Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God…

Leader: The call to solidarity with immigrants, migrants, refugees and all diverse people in our midst is the fruit of conversion and communion in Christ. “The Church hears the suffering cry of all who are uprooted f rom their own land, of families forcefully separated, of those who, in the rapid changes of our day, are unable to find a stable home anywhere. The church senses the anguish of those without rights, without any security, at the mercy of every kind of exploitation, and the Church supports them in their unhappiness.” -St. John Paul II

Leader: God of movement, God of stillness…

All: Calm our hearts so we may recognize your presence with us now.

(pause)

Leader: Help us realize that, “we are together on the journey.”

All: We are together on the journey.

Reading: Leviticus 19:2-4

When newcomers/aliens settle with you in your land, you shall not oppress them. They shall be treated as native born among you, and you shall love them as people like yourselves, because you were newcomers/aliens yourselves in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Intentions:

1. That U.S. citizens, mindful of the God-given blessings of life and freedom that this country can afford its citizens, may have the willingness to share these same blessings with others…

We pray to the Lord.