On August 7, 2019, immigrants in Central Mississippi working in the chicken processing industry were devastated by the largest statewide ICE raid in U.S. history. Many were Guatemalan immigrants who had peacefully lived, worked, worshiped and raised families in the area for the past 10-20 years.
Today Catholic Extension Society sponsored the pastoral visit of the newly elevated Cardinal and human rights champion, Álvaro Ramazzini of Guatemala. He visited the parishes hit hardest by the raids, to give comfort to these hurting families.
While there we were able to thank the frontline advocates of our Holy Family Fund and show our support and compassion for the children and spouses who are suffering.
The cardinal’s visit brought hope and comfort to those affected by the raids. He was there to assure them that they are not alone. God is always with them. Many good people stand in solidarity with them, including Catholic Extension Society’s many donors and partners who walk with them in this difficult time.
Catholic Extension Society has supported these communities for decades. However, in the wake of the raids, CE has been instrumental in providing more resources to the churches that are serving the humanitarian and spiritual needs of these families.
Catholic Extension Society’s Holy Family Fund is a relief program to assist low-income families in the U.S. who are financially dependent on a parent that has been detained or deported for immigration reasons. It provides funds and supportive services to U.S.-dwelling children and spouses who experience extreme economic insecurity and profound trauma in the wake of abrupt family separations.
