Religious freedom begins at home
“Turlock reverend: Catholics must speak up against deportations | Opinion,” (modbee.com, July 20)
On All Saints’ Day, clergy, religious sisters and laity — including a Chicago auxiliary bishop — were barred from bringing the Eucharist to detainees at the Broadview immigration detention center. This marks the second such denial in three weeks. Despite peaceful processions and outdoor Masses involving thousands, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials refused entry.
Cardinal Blase Cupich rightly called this a violation of religious freedom and human dignity. A class-action lawsuit now alleges widespread mistreatment at Broadview, including the denial of religious rights. Judge Robert Gettleman found the facility’s conditions “don’t pass constitutional muster,” and imposed a restraining order demanding reforms. Pope Leo XIV has condemned the “inhuman treatment of immigrants,” and urged U.S. bishops to speak out…