San Antonio Archbishop Rejects Mass Dispensation for Immigrants

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San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller recently addressed concerns surrounding immigration enforcement and the role of the Church in supporting vulnerable communities. He announced he will not issue a dispensation from attending Mass to individuals fearing deportation, but instead pledged to provide food, clothing, medication, and other services as needed. The archbishop also revealed that Ada Saenz, CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, will be the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities San Antonio.

Why it matters

The archbishop's stance reflects a commitment to the centrality of the sacraments in Catholic life and a belief that withdrawing from communal worship is not the appropriate response to external pressures. His personal experiences with religious persecution in 1960s Mexico also provide important context for understanding his perspective on the current treatment of immigrants.

The details

Unlike some other bishops in the United States, Archbishop García-Siller will not issue a dispensation from attending Mass to individuals fearing deportation. He expressed hope that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would prioritize the apprehension of violent criminals, leaving those who are 'hardworking' and 'in the process legally' undisturbed. The archbishop affirmed his belief in a system of laws and order, but also voiced concern over what he described as a 'persecution' of immigrants, lamenting the halting of legal immigration programs such as temporary protected status (TPS).

• Archbishop García-Siller recently addressed the concerns surrounding immigration enforcement.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The archbishop pledged to provide food, clothing, medication, and other services to vulnerable immigrants as needed.