First, there was this news from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on Tuesday, as reported by CNA:
Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles has called for a day of prayer amid growing violence during protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following arrests of unauthorized immigrants living in the city.
The archbishop has instructed parishes across the archdiocese to hold special Masses for peace and unity, encouraging both Catholics and non-Catholics to pray for peace amid the rioting.
Father Juan Ochoa, who runs the archdiocesan worship office, in a message to parishioners encouraged people to look to Christ.
“In this time of unrest and uncertainty, we turn our hearts to God, the source of all peace,” Ochoa said in the June 10 message.
The priest encouraged parishes to offer special intentions and suggested people partake in prayerful observances such as Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic adoration, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. The message also encouraged people to pray the rosary as a family, fast, read sacred Scripture, and pray the Sacred Heart novena.
“As followers of Jesus and members of his Church, we are called to be instruments of reconciliation, healing, and hope,” he said.
Then on Wednesday, this letter was circulated in the Diocese of San Diego, inviting local clergy and ministry leaders to “stand in solidarity with migrants who are making court appearances” on the morning of June 20th, International Refugee Day:
Worth noting: the newly named bishop of San Diego, Michael Pham, is himself a refugee, who fled to the United States from Vietnam with his family when he was 13 years old.
