40 Days Of Prayer, Fasting And Action For Immigration Reform Starts Sept. 9

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is a partnership of faith-based organizations committed to enacting fair and humane immigration reform that reflects a mandate to welcome the stranger and treat all human beings with dignity and respect. "It has taken many approaches in making its voice heard," said Cesilie Cordovilla, multicultural liaison at Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Evansville.

"Supporters have marched in Washington, D.C., and organized call campaigns, petitions and post-card mailings to Congressional representatives," she said, noting that as Congress prepares to return from its August recess, the coalition has initiated a different approach in supporting comprehensive immigration reform:  Fast Action for Immigrant Reform, 40 days of fasting and prayer which will begin Sept. 9 and continue through Oct. 18.

"At this pivotal moment in the journey toward comprehensive immigration reform, Fast Action for Immigration Reform encourages all the faithful, in solidarity, to join together," Cordovilla said. The coalition believes that “we are at a point where we have to escalate our efforts, expose the injustice, and engage the heart of our country. We are convinced that what we need now is a 'compassion surge.'”

Cordovilla said the efforts are "twofold. The first step in the 'compassion surge' focuses attention on those oppressed by the immigration system" with participants offering daily prayer and fasting.

"A more intense way of participating in Fast Action for Immigration Reform includes praying, fasting AND acting. Fastaction.us details many avenues for action including engaging Congress and the media, hosting a documentary showing to bring awareness to the issue of immigration, and spending time with immigrants in your community by volunteering."

Here is a listing of the prayer topics scheduled for the week beginning Sept. 9 until the title "Family Unity and Deportation."

• September 9, Deported Fathers

• September 10, Deported Mothers

• September 11, Children with Deported Parents

• September 12, Undocumented Parents

• September 13, Undocumented Children

• September, 14, Protection of Family Unity

• September 15, Families Separated by Borders

A listing of prayer topics for week two will be printed in the Sept. 13 issue of the Message.

The following events will be held in the diocese as part of the 40 days:

• Bilingual prayer service, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m., Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand;

• Presentation in English on “Advocacy for Justice for Immigrants,” Sept. 10, 6:30 p.m., Nativity Parish, Evansville;

• Bilingual prayer service, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., Nativity Parish;

• Presentation in Spanish on “Preparation for Immigration Reform,” Sept. 29, 1:30 p.m., Nativity Parish.