~ by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The Texas Catholic bishops urged immigration reform, saying it is necessary to prevent what happened to 53 migrants discovered in a trailer on June 27 from happening again.
Reminding others to reflect on the incident, they focused on defending the sacredness of every life.
Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston recalled Pope Francis’ lament, the “throwaway culture” the pope warns against, which leads humanity to discard God’s creation, including people.
“This senseless loss of life should shock and sadden us as we are all brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Cardinal Di Nardo. “We cannot ignore those most vulnerable among us who at times become victims of this throwaway culture and only seek a better life for themselves and their families.”
He commended the souls of the men and women who died near San Antonio after being smuggled into the U.S. in the part of a semitrailer reserved for cargo, not people. They were traveling without air-conditioning or ventilation in temperatures that surpassed 100 degrees. It was not clear how long they had been inside the trailer.
Authorities said the man identified as the truck driver, Homero Zamorano, Jr., fled the scene, leaving the migrants, which included migrants, dead and dying. He has been apprehended and charged with alien smuggling resulting in death. Three others also have been arrested in connection with the incident.’’
“The exploitation of the poor and in particular of migrants who flee dramatic situations in search of opportunities and hope is particularly grave,” said Archbishop Garcia-Siller of San Antonio.
Bishop Olson of Fort Worth said “our nation’s past unwillingness to address immigration…has brough us to a grace moment of polarization and crisis that threatens the vulnerable.
“The light of our faith should prompt us to care and to address the causes of these injustices as Christians, as Americans and as men and women of goodwill,” he added