Bishop Curtis Guillory today asked the Catholics of the Diocese of Beaumont to join in the celebration of a special Mass at 12:10 p.m. on Monday, April 10 at St. Anthony Cathedral in Beaumont, and to focus their attention on the morality of the treatment of immigrants -- both documented and undocumented.

"We as a nation have a right to protect our borders, but we as Church have an obligation to always first act in love and justice," said Bishop Guillory. "We pray for all those who will be affected by changes in our immigration laws, and we also pray that those who are entrusted with this decision will act in wisdom and justice. We must find legislation that is humane and just to meet this challenge."

"It is the Church's mission to preach the Gospel and not the ideology of the political left or right," said Monsignor Michael Jamail, vicar general of the diocese, and celebrant and homilist for the Mass. "This is a serious economic and political issue, which no one denies. The Church has made clear its teaching and position on legislation regarding abortion, workers rights, civil rights. Now we are making clear our position on proposed legislation on immigration. My homily on Monday will speak to the Church teaching on this issue. When it comes to the kingdom of God, we are all aliens and illegal."

Bishop Guillory said the Catholic Church's support of the immigrant in no way denies the "serious obligation their homelands have to provide a decent standard of living for their people." Bishop Guillory will be in solidarity and in spirit with those who are attending the Mass on Monday. A prior ecumenical commitment will prevent him from celebrating the liturgy. "Monsignor Jamail will be acting on my behalf. Several of the priests of our diocese will concelebrate with him."