CRS Rice Bowl campaign highlights Lenten messages on migrants and compassion
The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl campaign was highlighted on Mar. 23 in a reflection that connected the Lenten season with themes of compassion for migrants, referencing recent messages from Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas.
The focus on migration comes at a time when faith leaders are urging communities to see Christ in vulnerable populations. The Diocese of Honolulu, which supports multicultural and inclusive faith communities throughout Hawaii according to the official website, is among those promoting these values during Lent according to the official website.
During a Sunday Angelus message, Pope Leo XIV said that Lent is an invitation to deepen faith by seeing others through eyes of compassion. “When encountering the blind man overlooked by others, Jesus does not ask if he deserves healing nor does Jesus question his status or past. Jesus simply sees the blind beggar and compassionately opens his eyes,” he said. The pope added that Christ “opens eyes, so we can see more clearly our wounded sisters and brothers, and experience with them the healing grace of God.” Bishop Seitz addressed similar themes in his pastoral letter released on the Fourth Sunday in Lent: “migrant families torn apart, parents and children suffering in detention, and lives lost in the process of deportation.” He insisted: “To be Christian is to recognize ourselves in migrant persons. It is to understand that human movement is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be accompanied—with compassionate justice.” His letter also emphasized: “This does not dismiss the need for laws or borders… but there must be a moral line.” Seitz’s words echoed Archbishop St. Oscar Romero’s call for justice.
The Diocese of Honolulu operates 66 parishes across the Hawaiian Islands according to its official website, focusing on spreading the Gospel and addressing spiritual needs through various ministries as reported by its official site. Clarence Silva has led as bishop according to diocesan information, guiding efforts that extend across all islands as described online.
A practical example featured was Adriana from Timor-Leste who participates in CRS-supported nutrition classes; she now dreams of becoming a doctor after learning about health’s importance—a story used as an illustration for how simple acts can transform individuals and communities during Lent.
As Lent continues, participants are encouraged by Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Seitz’s guidance toward prayerful solidarity with migrants. The reflection concludes with an invitation for Catholics—and all people—to support initiatives like CRS Rice Bowl as part of their Lenten journey.
