I’m inspired by Bishop Pham and my Jesuit brothers who have led the efforts for immigration court accompaniment in San Diego. We have had a rotation of priests and religious women attending court in Harlingen, but this project makes me think we could be doing more.

Just to be clear, ICE is not just targeting criminals or even people who entered illegally. People like Carlos entered legally and were following the legal process. This new tactic is trying to criminalize, detain, and deport without due process. I call that injustice.

Great to have Ignatius join us for Mass and cake in migrant shelters in Reynosa, Mexico. “En todo amar y servir” (in all things, to love and to serve). Happy Feast of St Ignatius- may our love for the Lord and one another manifest itself more in deeds than words

Join us! New York City 9/14-9/16. I’m humbled to be invited to participate in this event hosted by the Center for Migration Studies and Fordham University. See more info in the 🧵.

I’ve learned so much from migrants that I’ve had the privilege to accompany, especially about hope amid despair. Pope Leo: “Their courage & tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see”.

“Migrants who come into court are trying to follow the rules, do things the right way. They aren’t trying to evade the law, they aren’t illegals in our country. They are documented migrants and the govt is using this strategy just to subject them to expedited removal”.

Thanks to @ThomasWenski for his outspoken advocacy for human dignity. Let’s pray that the archdiocese gets swift approval to provide Mass for detainees in the Everglades detention center. Everyone deserves access to the sacraments. Everyone.

RT @ThomasWenski: Sunday PM about 25 Knights on Bikes stopped at entrance of Alligator Alcatraz and prayed a rosary for the detainees. Arch….

“God does not fault one who does not go to Mass out of fear, he faults those who cause the fear.” Our immigration enforcement strategy is based primarily on creating fear. God finds fault in that, and so should we. Thanks for your prophetic voice, @bpdflores.

A member of my parish (legal permanent resident) was at the grocery store and saw a uniformed ICE officer shopping. She had a panic attack. Fear is not always based on facts (fact: she had nothing to fear). But fear is real, and this is the result of a govt creating fear.

Seeing the facade of justice in court was extremely disturbing. Our govt is looking for every strategy to bypass due process and fast track deportations. When we use court to trap people, we actually incentivize not showing up. Is that what we want??.

May we share the Gospel with others, such that the blind may see, the deaf hear, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. A beautiful message for all of us, including our two Jesuit brothers ordained this weekend. Thank you @bpdflores.

I didn’t expect to be re sharing this photo today! Prayers for Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Prevost. I met him at the Augustinian Youth Encounter in London in 2010 when he was Prior General. A kind and humble man. As he prayed, may the peace of the risen Christ be with us 🙏

We continue to pray for the Pope’s health and remain grateful for his outspoken advocacy for migrants who so often show hope to me through their deep trust in God in the midst of the most challenging situations. I find it inspiring on a daily basis when I’m in migrant shelters.

There have been a lot of shocking developments at the start of 2025, but certainly one of them for me is the fact that fundamental truths of the Christian faith have become radical and controversial, among the very people who claim to profess the faith.

“Preventing any access to asylum and other protections will only endanger those who are most vulnerable and deserving of relief, while empowering gangs and other predators to exploit them.” I already see exploitation of migrants all the time, and I fear it will only get worse.

The Church is alive! Blessed to join for the conferral of candidacy for those training for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Brownsville. 40+ men entered the candidacy stage after two years of classes and ministry. God-willing, in 3 years they will be ordained 🙏.

RT @LakotaMan1: Happy Thanksgiving

I love how controversial this apparently is among Christians. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure it’s just a paraphrase of: “For I was a stranger, and you gave me no welcome” (Mt 25:43).

Hey New Yorkers! Come say hello! We have a benefit concert tonight (see more below) at the Church of St Ignatius Loyola.