Worthy Brother Knights and Knight Families:

This month marks a milestone in our faith and nation’s history as the Holy Father, Pope Francis, makes his visit to the United States for the World Meeting of Families. Apparent in my previous GK messages is what could be described as our ongoing Columbian Year theme of “Works of Mercy.” These works of mercy were central to St. Francis of Assisi’s ministry, especially when it came to the poor.

Likewise, as Pope Francis emphasizes providing services to the poor, so do the Knights of Columbus. Fortunately, through our fundraising efforts we should be able to meet those needs of the less fortunate (e.g., our support for Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home, Sacramento Life Center, Loaves & Fishes, and Cristo Rey High School, and many more). In administering to the poor we learn their stories of struggles and challenges. It would also not be surprising to find if many of the poor that we assist are being affected by the national dialogue regarding
immigration. At the heart of this debate lies the plight of families and what that issue means to us as Christians. By divine coincidence, this dialogue comes at a time that the Holy Father makes his visit to our shores.

Our immigration law has a long history of repeals and amendments, and is certainly too long and complex in which to comment in this message. However, for those who wish to read up on the subject, information on resources, statistics and history of immigration can be found on many websites (e.g., American Immigration Council and Department of Homeland Security to name a few). The search for a prudent, secure and humane immigration policy is certainly debate worthy, but what is most troublesome in these national discussions is the occasional merciless indifference that some fellow citizens project toward undocumented persons.

However, a previously released Knights of Columbus-Marist Poll brings us some hope. The poll found that many American people would back a long-term immigration reform solution that allowed undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States, as long as certain conditions were met. (See, 6/25/12, Newly Released Survey Shows Way Forward on U.S. Immigration Debate, www.kofc.org.)

“‘There is a consensus among the American people on the issue of immigration,’ said Supreme Knight Carl Anderson. ‘The common sense of the American people shows that there is a real, viable, long-term solution to this problem that would transcend partisanship, have the support of the American people, and actually resolve this issue. This survey has potential to recast our national debate if this non-partisan solution is embraced.’” (Ibid.) “The poll also [found] that most Americans have a generally positive view of immigrants. 83 percent of Americans say most immigrants are average people who come to the United States to seek a better life for themselves and their families. Fewer than 2 in 10 (17 percent) believe immigrants immigrate for ‘easy money’ or to pursue a life of crime. Americans also think immigrants have strong family values (80 percent) and work just as hard as Americans (79 percent), but worry that immigrants may strain the healthcare system (76 percent), place a burden on public schools (66 percent) or be discriminated against (63 percent).” (Ibid.,)

Although the report on this survey pre-dates the current national debate, the teachings of Catholic Social Justice remain relevant today and are based on three basic principles: 1) people have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families; 2) a country has the right to regulate its borders and to control immigration; and 3) a country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy. (See United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration and the Movement of Peoples, www.usccb.org.) It is “justice and mercy” that is lacking in the current national debate over an acceptable immigration policy. An undocumented person’s human dignity is not lessoned by his or her unsettled legal status in our country.

Let us not forget that our Order was founded in 1882 by the son of Irish immigrants, Father Michael McGivney. As such, it logically follows that “for a century, the Knights of Columbus have been committed to helping the United States find a reasonable immigration policy. In the early twentieth century, the Knights were critical of laws which largely prevented Catholic immigration from Europe, while allowing those from predominately Protestant countries to immigrate.” (See, 6/25/12, Newly Release Survey Shows Way Forward on U.S.

Immigration Debate, www.kofc.org.) It is with great hope that the Holy Father’s visit can bring a humane and merciful perspective on the
immigration question facing the nation. While we watch and follow Pope Francis on his journey, we pray that his visit will also influence and encourage leaders and policy makers to a point where reasonable minds can prevail in finding a solution to this situation. “If you want peace, work for justice” – Pope Paul VI

Vivat Jesus!
Lewis Munoz
Grand Knight, Council 953