The Wednesday Update

I am told by folks who have lived here longer than I that one morning, we all will wake up to a slight breeze in the morning and we'll say, is that cool air? Ah, the first signs of fall.    The new season is still a few weeks off.  But speaking of fall, I want to give my Update readers a reminder about several events that may be of interest.

The Wednesday Update took a short break. It will return Aug. 21. Please note that the Diocese of Tucson offices will be closed on Thursday, Aug. 15 in observance of the Feast Day of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, a Holy Day of Obligation.

Update: Transforming a juvenile facility On Monday (July 22), the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3 - 2 in favor of allowing Catholic Community Services to move asylum-seekers temporarily housed at the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson to vacant sections

Update: New home for asylum-seekers This afternoon, diocese and Catholic Community Services representatives met with officials from the city county, three consulates, religious leaders and leaders from other organizations working with migrants. The meeting was to discuss and bring greater understanding among the group members about the decisions made by CCS to continue efforts to move asylum seekers from the former Benedictine Monastery in Tucson  into an unused part of a county juvenile detention center.

Troubling allegations require thorough review   The media is reporting alarming allegations of sexual misconduct against minors, inhumane conditions, and improper retaliatory actions on the part of certain Customs and Border Patrol agents at the Yuma, Arizona holding facilities.  These deeply troubling allegations have been made public by Department of Health and Human Services workers.  

Prayer for the Fourth of July Below is a prayer written by George Washington, our nation’s first president.  See how the words of the past still resonate with us as they reflect on the need for justice, respect and the inclusion of God in our work.

U.S. Bishops decry horrific death of father and daughter at the border and the appalling conditions for children June 26, 2019 WASHINGTON—The cry of a father and his baby daughter who drowned crossing the Rio Grande reaches heaven itself. This unspeakable consequence of a failed immigration system, together with growing reports of inhumane conditions for children in the custody of the federal government at the border, shock the conscience and demand immediate action. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, joins Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, in calling on the federal government to hear the cry of the poor and vulnerable.

Great strides by US Bishops in Baltimore The USCCB meeting exceeded my expectations. We overwhelmingly approved three crucial documents which will guide the Church forward in relation to bishop accountability.

Congratulations Father Justin Agbir!!     While we could not be present for the ordination of Deacon Justin Terna Agbir, 33, in his home country of Nigeria, we certainly were with him in spirit and prayer.

El sábado tuvimos una hermosa ordenación sacerdotal en la Catedral de San Agustín para Jesús Haros-Mendez. El padre Jesús estudiará un año más en el Seminario Mundelein antes de unirse a sus hermanos sacerdotes en el servicio aquí en nuestra diócesis.

We had a beautiful Ordination at St. Augustine Cathedral last Saturday.  Father Jesus will spend one more year at Mundelein Seminary for additional studies, before joining his brother priests in service here in our diocese.