(October 14, 2020) – Days after Pope Francis issued a historic letter calling the world to rise to the challenge of creating a new vision of humanity irrespective of borders and differences, Catholic Extension announced a 2,000-mile act of prayer along the U.S.-Mexico border. Catholic Extension is partnering with the Kino Border Initiative, a ministry funded by Catholic Extension in the Diocese of Tucson, to host and livestream The March of the Children Seeking Asylum.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kino Border Initiative (KBI) and other asylum advocates have organized and livestreamed a series of events on the 21st of each month to support migrants affected by current policies blocking all asylum processing at the U.S.-Mexico border. This date was symbolically chosen because the current restrictions renew on the 21st of each month since the pandemic began.
Catholic Extension is honored to collaborate with KBI this month to raise awareness of the issue and the immediate need for a solution to advance humane, just and workable migration. As a United States papal society created by the Vatican in 1905, Catholic Extension has the unique ability to convene powerful faith leaders from across the country to join together in solidarity and prayer.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, Catholic Extension’s chancellor and the Archbishop of Chicago, along with Sister Norma Pimentel and several other members of Extension-supported parishes will virtually join hands along the 2,000-mile border wall to pray for all asylum seekers. “As Catholics, we affirm the inherent human dignity of every person and the ability of migrants to seek security and safety for themselves and their families in the United States. Catholic Extension respects the right to seek asylum,” said Father Jack Wall, president of Catholic Extension. We invite you to participate in this demonstration of unity, joining our hands and hearts together along the 2,000-mile border wall for all asylum seekers.
About Catholic Extension: Founded in 1905, Catholic Extension works in solidarity with people in America’s poorest regions to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities. For more information visit www.catholicextension.org; follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/catholicextension or on twitter at @CathExtension.