Prayer services commemorate anniversary of Postville immigration raid

During the week of May 12, 2009, one year after the immigration raid in Postville, Iowa, people joined across the country in commemoration. Voices from Postville were heard at a prayer vigil held atSt. Rose Convent. In Postville, people gathered to share stories, march and pray.

Presence asked FSPA and affiliates to reflect on the Postville events and give us a better understanding of what’s next.

by Sister Nina Shephard
To commemorate the raid, there were about 750 people in attendance in Postville, with many priests, sisters and clergy from various other denominations. FSPA present were Lucille Winnike, Joann Gehling and myself. Joining us was Prairiewoods staff member Ann Jackson, PBVM.

All the speakers called for immigration reform. Mary McCauley, BVM, who worked so hard with and for the immigrants after the raid, was there to receive a rousing standing ovation. She said at the close of the service, “On May 12, 2008, your hearts may have been broken and you may have felt your hopes were destroyed. But . . . you are a people known for your hope and your love. Be faithful to who you are.”

by Rev. Denny Coon, United Methodist Church, affiliate
I attended the May 12th prayer vigil in Postville to hear stories. There’s a holy connection that takes place when someone else’s story intersects with mine. I am even more drawn to situations where it seems most unlikely my story will intersect with another person. What would I, a male Anglo from Iowa, have in common with a young Mexican woman? I learn at these intersections that we all have interests alike and are connected through our stories.

Two arrested Agriprocessors workers from Mexico and Guatemala told the congregation why they came to the United States. Genesis, a young Mexican mother, told of her son’s need for two asthmatic inoculations every week. Each shot costs $80. Since she could not find work that pays enough for her son’s medication, she came to the U.S. Jamie, a Guatemalan worker, told us about his four children, one of whom is blind. He, too, wants a better life for his children.

Those who are opposed to immigration use hurtful words to describe immigrants: criminals, non-tax paying workers, drug dealers and rapists. Stories are the antidote to these unfair, all-encompassing labels. When our stories intersect and we realize these workers have concerns as we all do, then we connect into the wider family of God.

Unlikely people who are culturally disqualified become messengers of God’s good news. We learn about God’s greater good in these stories and the stories that are unfolding. When we think we can exclude certain people then we are excluding the essence of God and ourselves since we are all connected. May God help us all to overcome our fear of strangers by listening to their stories and realizing we too are that stranger. “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets,” (Matthew 7:12).

by Sister Carrie Kirsch
During the general assembly we heard Paul Rael of Postville speak passionately of his concerns about the immigration problems. He expressed his feelings about the current struggle and the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. The Hispanic Ministry Team (of which Paul is a member), working out of St. Bridget Rectory, is still going day by day. In those early days volunteers came from neighboring colleges and concerned groups. Now that response is not there. A short time after the raid the small team of about five made a commitment to keep working until everything is settled with those arrested. Their primary concerns were to help those affected by the raid and to work for comprehensive immigration reform.

As long as food is donated and there are people in need, the Food Pantry is operating. As long as money is available, the team will assist with necessary expenses.

Lawyer Sonia Parras of Des Moines works tirelessly on the cases of those arrested. She concentrates on the legal issues surrounding underage workers, removing the ankle monitors and getting U Visas.

For those in Postville there are major concerns. The trial of Aaron Rubashkin, former owner of Agriprocessors, has been delayed and rumors are spreading of what will happen to the now-bankrupt plant.
The longer time drags on, the more the feelings of compassion are being replaced with negativity. Paul spoke of it and it can be read in articles and blogs. After our assembly days together, is the flame burning in your hearts to reach out in some way to work for comprehensive immigration reform? What is your spirit saying?

by Sharon Chavolla, affiliate
We say, “may this never happen again; this could not have happened—not in our country.”

But it did happen and is still happening on a smaller scale every day.

It only makes good sense to work towards immigration reform that offers a path to legal, permanent residence and possible citizenship, and as a way to keep families together. Our immigrants have strong family bonds and deep faith in God and our Blessed Mother. We can learn from them.

We need to first stretch ourselves beyond our comfort zone and research why they are here; the tremendous risks they take to get here; and why it’s impossible for them to enter legally according to our current immigration laws. We need to become consciously aware of the harsh, unjust, inhumane and punitive treatment of the undocumented migrant within our own borders.

There are many levels by which we can become a voice for the voiceless. Besides this being the Christian thing to do, our own President Obama has asked us to step into this responsibility. We can no longer expect the government to fix our broken country, our broken health care system, our broken economic and ecological systems and our broken immigration policies.

Once we have willingly opened our minds to become aware of this problem the next and most important thing to do is to take it and hold it sacredly in prayer—both individually and communally. Take it to the altar in liturgical prayer.

Let us support one another in whatever role each of us chooses to participate as we become informed, educate others, write letters or call legislators, become an advocate, or share the life, pain and struggles with our immigrant communities where we live.

Let it become a part of us as Franciscans. Our own FSPA community was founded by wonderful visionary immigrant women.

Let us wear the responsibilities of justice and peace, and walk in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters. Let us work together for
comprehensive immigration reform now.