The Catholic Church is set to commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, on December 12. This Marian feast day holds special significance for many immigrants in the United States and also recognizes Our Lady of Guadalupe as the patroness of the unborn, following her appearance to Saint Juan Diego as a pregnant mother.

In reflection, several chairmen from committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have emphasized unity and dignity among all people. They stated: “Though we so often distinguish ourselves through borders, races, languages, political ideals, and so many other possible sources of division, Our Lady’s patronage is a powerful reminder that we are all called to be one in Christ Jesus, beginning from the moment of our conception."

The statement also addresses current societal issues: “Throughout the life of our nation, we have seen at times unacceptable demonstrations of prejudice and hatred, including in recent days mass communications targeting people of color and disparaging comments about immigrant communities." The bishops reaffirmed their stance by saying: "With one clear voice, we reaffirm our unwavering and unqualified recognition of the fact that each and every human life is sacred, that all persons are imbued by God with an inviolable dignity, which no earthly power can deny."

They further condemned ideologies contrary to Christian teachings: "The sinful ideologies of racism and xenophobia are antithetical to these core teachings of our Christian faith. No person formed by and committed to the Gospel of Life can harbor such views in good conscience.”