Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Bishop Edward Weisenburger recently led a Mass at Casa Alitas, a migrant respite center in Tucson, where he conveyed a message of welcome and compassion to the migrants present. In Spanish, the bishop addressed the migrants, saying, “Ustedes son bendiciones,” which translates to, “You are all blessings.”

During the Mass, a family from Ecuador, who had arrived at Casa Alitas earlier that day, expressed their gratitude for the warm reception they received. The father of the family recounted their journey through El Salvador and Mexico, where they faced challenges such as robbery. Upon reaching Casa Alitas, the family was deeply touched by the kindness shown to them.

Bishop Weisenburger also expressed his appreciation for the volunteers and supporters of Casa Alitas, acknowledging their crucial role in the mission. He commended their efforts, stating, “You are putting flesh on the bone of the gospel. This is an act of evangelization.”

The operation of Casa Alitas and similar facilities is largely funded by the federal government. However, with federal funding uncertain, there are concerns about the future of these services. Without continued financial support, there is a possibility of services being significantly reduced, leading to potential street releases of migrants.

In response to the funding challenges, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has urged Congress to provide ongoing support. Meanwhile, Catholic Community Services is preparing for a potential drawdown of services, which could have repercussions on various communities in Arizona.

The collaborative efforts between the diocese, government entities, and faith-based groups have been instrumental in providing support to migrants in a compassionate and organized manner. Despite the challenges ahead, there is a shared commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis with care and diligence.

For those interested in supporting Catholic Community Services and their mission at Casa Alitas, more information can be found at https://www.ccs-soaz.org/donate.