Interfaith Prayer Held for Our Immigrant and Refugee Sisters and Brothers

Presidents’ Day was the backdrop for many venues where citizens took to the streets and city plazas across the country to voice their concern over the present administration’s actions over the past few weeks.

In Scranton a group of women leaders had been meeting since the elections to discuss various concerns, focusing on the threat of massive deportations of our immigrant and refugee neighbors.

On February 17^th the group held a multi-faith prayer vigil on Courthouse Square in Scranton. It began with with songs and prayers from various faith leaders and justice partners, highlighting scripture, Pope Francis’ message, and the recent letter of Bishop Bambera. The frigid weather inspired the group to form a procession where participants prayerfully walked with banners and signs into St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. There, more than 175 gathered to hear the testimonies of an immigrant become U.S. citizen, a Congolese refugee become citizen, and the grandson of Irish immigrants of long ago.

In collaboration with religious and justice-minded community partners, the faith communities of Scranton expressed solidarity with their immigrant brothers and sisters and called for upholding the dignity of all peoples.

Planners and participants of the event pose with a banner that reads: Scranton has always been home to immigrants and refugees.

Sisters Donna Korba, Susan Hadzima, and IHM Associates Alejandra Marroquin and Pat Sheehan served on this IHM planning committee.