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Issue 1465 April 22, 2012
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Bishop Joseph Cistone, second left, con-celebrates Mass in El Salvador.

BISHOP ON IMMIGRANTS: Cistone Recalls Kids' Plight on Central America Trip

July 18, 2014       Leave a Comment
By: Dave Rogers

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As the world looks on at protests in the Saginaw Roman Catholic Diocese against possible placement of immigrant children, Bishop Joseph R. Cistone calls for understanding.

Bishop Cistone shares his own experience of the situation of young people in Central America and calls upon people of faith and good will to put aside political difference and focus on the needs of the children.

"For so many of us, our hearts are torn as we watch news reports of unaccompanied children and young people migrating to the United States," says Cistone, adding:

"Caught in the middle of strong emotions, hostile attitudes, and opposing political positions are vulnerable children who have survived a dangerous journey.

"The migration of these children through Central America and Mexico often leads to severe trauma and exploitation causing violence, mistreatment, family separation, and, in some circumstances, death.

"For me personally, it calls to mind my recent visit to El Salvador this past February. On behalf of Catholic Relief Services, as a member of the Board of Directors, I had the opportunity, together with other bishops and lay people, to visit San Salvador and its outlining regions.

"I witnessed firsthand the disturbing circumstances of children, some as young as five and six years old, seeking refuge in street gangs in order to escape the dysfunctional situation and even violence within their own homes. The gangs provide food, shelter and protection. "However, the children pay a terrible price for membership in these gangs, finding themselves involved in a world of drugs and crime, creating their own level of fear and violence against others."

"Catholic Relief Services provides opportunities for those children -- courageous enough to escape the gangs -- to be educated, find employment, and transform their lives. In the spring 2014 edition of FAITH Saginaw Magazine, I recount the story of one young man, Manuel, whom I was privileged to meet and come to know. I am sure that, among the thousands of unaccompanied children migrating to America, there are many among them who share Manuel?s story.

"There is now indication that some of these children may be transferred to an institution in Vassar where, for an estimated 2-4 weeks, they will be given shelter, food and education while the Department for Health and Human Services addresses their future.

"I am pleased to have joined with leaders of other faiths to address this humanitarian crisis. We can understand the levels of frustration on the part of people regarding the inability of the government to establish a comprehensive immigration policy.

"While people of good will may hold differing opinions about the causes of this crisis and the legislative means to appropriately address the question of immigration, as Christians, we must be concerned for the safety and well-being of the vulnerable children involved. And so, I call upon all people of faith and good will to focus on the needs of these children who, in their innocence, come to us seeking safety."

Bishop Cistone traveled to El Salvador Feb. 17 to 21 with a Catholic relief Services delegation that also included CRS board members Bishop Anthony B. Taylor of Little Rock, AK, Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, NY.

During the trip, the group visited the church where Archbishop Oscar Romero was killed during Mass, March 24, 1980, and talked with local citizens who have benefitted from CRS projects.

Bishop Taylor, who is fluent in Spanish, was invited to attend with the CRS delegation to El Salvador to gain a better understanding of CRS's work with the poor and vulnerable overseas.

- See more at: http://www.arkansas-catholic.org/news/article/3815/Bishop-Taylor-among-CRS-delegation-to-Latin-America#sthash.jgCEcvct.dpuf

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Dave Rogers

Dave Rogers is a former editorial writer for the Bay City Times and a widely read,
respected journalist/writer in and around Bay City.
(Contact Dave Via Email at carraroe@aol.com)

More from Dave Rogers

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