Nebraska Bishops to the migrant community: You are not alone

On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Catholic bishops of Nebraska shared a letter with migrants across the state, expressing the bishops’ compassion, solidarity, and support for immigrants in Nebraska, including those concerned about the possibility of mass deportations.

“As pastors we know that Jesus wants to draw close to you during this challenging and perhaps fearful time,” Archbishop of Omaha George Lucas, Bishop of Lincoln James Conley and Bishop of Grand Island Joseph Hanefeldt stated. “We are with you, too, to support and accompany you in the name of Jesus.”

The bishops further communicated their continued support as advocates, as well as calling all Nebraskans to meet the needs of our “migrant brothers and sisters.”

“[W]e want you to know that we will advocate in Nebraska and in Washington for the respect for human dignity and for family relationships, as well for the special care owed to children that should characterize a just and lawful community,” said the bishops. “We invite our neighbors to join in advocating for respectful treatment of all within the law.”

Alongside the letter, the Nebraska Catholic Conference issued a frequently asked questions document (in English and in Spanish) to address common questions and misconceptions about the Catholic Church’s social teaching on border security, the treatment of undocumented immigrants, welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, providing charitable services to immigrants, and comprehensive immigration reform.

Read the full letter below.

December 12, 2024

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

To our migrant brothers and sisters,

In the season of Advent we are aware of the closeness of our savior Jesus Christ. As pastors, we know that Jesus wants to draw close to you during this challenging and perhaps fearful time. We are with you, too, to support and accompany you in the name of Jesus.

As we hear of the possibility of mass deportations, which causes fear and uncertainty, we want you to know that we will advocate in Nebraska and in Washington for the respect for human dignity and for family relationships, as well for the special care owed to children that should characterize a just and lawful community. We invite our neighbors to join in advocating for respectful treatment of all within the law.

You have generously spoken with us of the experiences of your life’s journey. It is often characterized by a sense of abandonment, uncertainty, and fear. At the same time, there are many stories of resilience, hard work, faith, and hope for yourselves and for your children. We remember that the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph became migrants, fleeing with the infant Savior to escape violence and persecution. In those difficult and dangerous days, they put all their hope in the promises of God.

Migrants have come to Nebraska from a variety of countries and cultures. Many of you have looked to the mother of Jesus for protection and strength. It is good that we do so now, as we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We remember the words of the Virgin to St. Juan Diego nearly five hundred years ago, “Am I not here, I who am your mother?” At this moment, you are not alone. You have the protection of Mary and the saints, and you have the prayers of many of your neighbors.

May the grace of Advent and Christmas strengthen us all as we journey together to the fullness of God’s Kingdom.

With our prayers, we are sincerely yours in Christ,

Archbishop George J. Lucas
Archdiocese of Omaha

Bishop James D. Conley
Diocese of Lincoln

Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt
Diocese of Grand Island

Ltr to Immigrants (12Dec2024)

For more information including resources on Catholic teaching on immigration, visit Archomaha.org/migrants.