ONE PEOPLE, ONE CHURCH, ONE COMMUNITY BY KASCHA SANOR
“I could have been one of them too. In a moment I could be. Speaking Spanish, having this skin color, makes it possible that one day I could be detained too - as has happened in many cases.” This is how Chicago Bishop Jose Maria Garcia-Maldonado reflected on presiding over a Peoples Mass outside of Broadview ICE facility. “I am also an immigrant,” he said, “someone who came to this country 24 years ago. So this is a form of solidarity.” On November 1st, over 2,000 faithful Catholics gathered outside of Broadview Detention Center for the Misa Popular or Peoples Mass. The hope was to offer the Eucharist and spiritual care to our fellow parishioners, beloved friends, neighbors, and people of God being inhumanely held inside. In an empty parking lot, surrounded by fencing and barbed wire, we celebrated Mass. Moments after the consecration, a delegation of Sisters, Priests, and the Bishop were missioned to approach the detention center as Eucharistic Ministers. Despite following all proper protocols, including providing advanced notice, we were denied and the eucharistic table divided. This was one of multiple attempts to provide communion to those held in the ICE facility. Months earlier, when it was announced that ICE and the National Guard would move into Chicago for immigration enforcement efforts, the fear and 6
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worry throughout the city was palpable and immediate. But, so too, was a faithful response. The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), a spiritually rooted force for good, has been the heartbeat of some stunning public faith-based witness across Chicago. Each invitation, a breathtakingly beautiful response to heartbreaking headlines. The multi-racial, multi-generational community of CSPL is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of our Catholic faith. During a Eucharistic Procession, over 500 people gathered for adoration, followed by a mile-long procession to the ICE facility while praying the rosary. Every step was an intercession through Mary to guide and strengthen