Photo ~ People pray as Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez celebrates a special Mass in recognition of all immigrants at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

Hispanic bishops letter offers sympathy to illegal immigrants

Dec 12, 2011

(Reuters) - The nation's 33 Hispanic Roman Catholic Bishops released on Monday a strongly worded "letter to immigrants" suggesting illegal immigrants deserve thanks from Americans, and calling for "denunciation of the forces which oppress them."

The bishops have come out in support of comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants before, as they do again in the letter, but it uses stronger language and goes further in offering support to undocumented immigrants.

The letter was released by San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller and Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, the highest ranking Mexican-Americans in the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops.

"We are well aware of the great sacrifice you make for your families' well being," portions of the letter say.

"Despite your contributions to the well-being of our country, instead of receiving our thanks, you are often treated as criminals because you have violated current immigration laws."

The letter is being released on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and the Continental Americas.

Garcia-Siller and Gomez, the only Latino Archbishops in the U.S. church, are natives of Mexico and U.S. citizens.

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