The U.S. Supreme Court prevented the immediate termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on June 18.
To pray for the young adults and especially for DACA recipients, so that they can continue to develop and share their gifts, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, celebrated the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses at San Fernando Cathedral on June 21. Both of the liturgies were broadcast on CTSA and livestreamed on archdiocesan social media.
In his homily, the archbishop described how, at times, we experience an uneasiness, especially during times of transition, change, or chaos, as there is so much confusion in our world. “We are bombarded with words — in the newspapers television, the internet. It is difficult to sort out what is truly significant and what is mere curiosity,” he said. “We struggle to learn the facts, to determine what the truth is when there is so much misinformation, opposing opinions, and outright lies. It is important for us to find out what really is going on — what the facts are, not mere opinions or conspiracy advocates.”
However, Archbishop Gustavo emphasized that as believers, we firmly hold that we are not on our own; that the risen Lord is in our midst. “A loving, caring God is with us at every moment of our lives. The Holy Spirit is always with us, within us — guiding us, leading us, accompanying us on our journey.”
In the Gospel reading at the liturgy from Matthew, Jesus tells the Twelve that they are to proclaim the Gospel confidently and boldly. They are to continue Jesus’ own mission and ministry. He reminds them how much God loves them; God even knows the number of the hairs of our heads. But Jesus also tells them: “Do not fear. Do not be afraid.”
“Why?” the Missionary of the Holy Spirit asked. “Because the world often does not want to hear the truth of the word of God.”
The San Antonio prelate acknowledged that we live in difficult, challenging times. However, he continued, “We are challenged to live a life of discipleship, faithful to the word of God. With God’s mercy and compassion, Jesus’ walking at our side, and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we can face anything with courage, God-given strength, and unfailing hope.”
The archbishop concluded by saying that Our Lady of Guadalupe is with us always, as she promised St. Juan Diego. “Dear Lady, Mother of God, be with us during our times of trial, difficulty, fear, anxiety during our earthly pilgrimage,” he requested of her Immaculate Heart.
Prior to the intercessions, Archbishop Gustavo prayed, “Heavenly Father, you never cease calling your church to renew her faith through the joy, commitment and courage of young people. Through them, you invite us to examine our conscience in the search for the actions and omissions that make us poor witnesses of your love. May their thirst for justice and their passion to uphold human dignity, inspire leaders in our nation to find ways to assure the right of young adults to study, work, and live in peace in our country. We entrust their dreams and hopes to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as we ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
The intercessions called upon the Lord for divine guidance for all government leaders, that they recognize the significant contributions of DACA recipients and support legislation that protects these young migrants; for DACA recipients, that they remain strong in the face of uncertainty and bold in their call for justice; and for all the faithful, that God may inspire us to act in our local communities in support of DACA recipients.