Entrance Procession
Pax Christi representatives carrying
an Icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe accompany the celebrant and other ministers
Entrance Hymn (Traditional Marian
hymn)
Celebrant
PEACE BE WITH YOU (PAUSE).
(RESPONSE)
mAY THE PEACE OF CHRIST BE WITH US ALL & WITH ALL THE WORLD
bLESSED ARE you … FOR when I was a stranger, you welcomed me
~
Matthew 25:35
( the icon is placed on an easel in front of the pulpit where it remains throughout the Mass)
PAX CHRISTI
AS Christians THE GOSPEL CHALLENGEs us to act on
behalf of those less fortunate then ourselves. THIS IS A TIME, NOT FOR NEW STATEMENTS,
BUT FOR NEW REFLECTION, ACTION, ADVOCACY, AND URGENCY. The plight of immigrant today is a matter of justice. As aN INTEGRAL
PART OF OUR CHRISTIAN WITNESS, The CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS is calliing upon us as catholics to act on behalf of
our immigrant brothers and sisters and to speak out for just and sensible immigration
reform.
Celebrant
( with holy water or incense)
ON
THIS OCCASION WE bless and honor this image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the mother of all the americas. we turn to her in this hour of need. We beg her to look down upon her children, upon us
that in this hour we might be made worthy of the promises of her divine Son. As we recall our baptisimal promises let us listen
to her words to Juan Diego:
Know my son, my much beloved, that I am the ever Virgin Mary, Mother of the True God who is the Author of life,
the Creator of all things, the Lord of heaven and earth, present everywhere……. as a loving mother to thee and
those like thee, I shall show my tender clemency and the compassion I feel for the natives and for those who love and seek
me, for all who implore my protection, who call on me in their labors and afflictions: and in which I shall hear their weeping
and their supplications that I may give them consolation and relief.
(Our Lady's words to her servant
Juan Diego).
(Asperges: as the celebrant blesses
the congregation a traditional Marian Hymn is invoked and sung).
Upon returning to the sanctuary an
appropriate Marian prayer ( Hail Mary or see blow) is invoked, followed by the invocation: Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for
us ( 3times),
The mass continues.
Talking points
US
Catholic Bishops have grown increasingly disturbed by the current public discourse surrounding immigrants, in which newcomers
are characterized as a threat and not a benefit. Anti-immigration fervor on TV & radio shows, citizens attempting to enforce
immigration laws and, most disturbingly, the enactment of restrictive immigration laws are evidence of this negative public
environment. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrickJustice for Immigrants Campaign
…the
illegal immigrant comes before us as a stranger within whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity
is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself. ~ Pope John Paul II
…when there are just reasons
in favor of it, a person must be permitted to emigrate to other countries and take up residence there. The fact that he is
a citizen of a particular state does not deprive him of membership in the human family…Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII
Catholic tradition cites Abraham’s
hospitality to three strangers that came upon the road while he was praying as representing the triune God, whom Abraham welcomed
into his home. Their revelation was a blessing unto the whole world, for he was to have a son by Sarah and through him his
descendents would be as many as the stars in the heavens.
Christians have always welcomed the
stranger in their midst as Christ himself. Compassion, shelter and hospitality to the homeless, migrants, and refugees is
no less a requirement of the Gospel today.
Numerous Gospel passages highlight
the centrality of hospitality for the Christian. Among them the flight into Egypt,
the Good Samaritan, the disciples on the way to Emmaus, the last judgement, etc.
"Listen and let it penetrate your heart...do
not be troubled or weighed down with grief. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your
Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Am I not your fountain of life? Are you not in the folds of my mantle?
In the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need?" Words of Our Lady to Juan Diego
Prayer of the
Faithful
LET US PRAY FOR THE HOMELESS, POLITICAL
REFUGEES, AND IMMIGRANTS WHO SEEK refuge in America
TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES AT HOME. May they find welcome and encouragement
through the generosity and Hospitality of Catholics EVERYWHERE. We praytothe Lord.
LET US PRAY FOR THE PERPETRATORS
OF RACISM. MAY THEY REPENT OF THEIR SIN, TURN THEIR HEARTS AWAY FROM HATRED AND EMBRACE THEIR VICTIMS AS JESUS COMMANDS AND
THE CHURCH TEACHES. WE PRAY TO THE LORD
May
the Bishops campaign seeking Justice for Immigrants stir in the hearts of the faithful a compassion for the DOWNTRODDEN, a
zeal for the Gospel’s commitmant to the homeless and the less fortunate, and a resolve to act on their behalf. We pray to the Lord
