Holy Family Parish

Brothers and Sisters,

On August 22, 2025, the Bishops of Iowa have released a Pastoral Reflection on Immigration called “Pilgrims of Hope.” This reflection seeks to remind our Catholic community of the authentic teaching of the church on Immigration. In secular and social media, there has been an effort to create a climate of fear and false narratives around immigration for ideological purposes. It is in this context that we desire to remind our communities of the long-standing Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration. 

While recognizing the rights of government to appropriately regulate migration and the protection of society, this right must always be in accordance with fundamental principles of justice and the respect for the inherent dignity of every person. The natural rights of persons, such as due process and rule of law, may never be dispensed by governments for the purpose of expediency to achieve some political ends. 

Please go online to view the full document:  www.iowacatholicconference.org.

We pray for the intercession of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, the Comforter of Migrants, to intercede for us and advocate for all of our brothers and sisters who journey in hope.

In Christ,

Most Rev. Dennis G. Walsh

Bishop of Davenport