Bishop Offers Support to Latino Community

Bishop Joseph F. Martino offered his support and the comfort that only Christ can give to the Latino people of the Diocese of Scranton. The Bishop, joined by Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty, celebrated the Mass in Spanish on July 9 at St. Gabriel Church in Hazleton.

That community has been engaged in a debate over an ordinance that levies penalties against landlords and businesses that deal with undocumented immigrants. The ordinance, which also mandates English as the official language of the city, was passed by Hazleton City Council on July 13, but is expected to be challenged in the courts.

Bishop Martino did not address the ordinance. But in his homily, he acknowledged the anxiety that many Latinos are experiencing. “It is my deep joy to be with you here today. I know of your struggles and your sufferings,” he said. “The Bishop is

“But since I am only a human being,” the Bishop said, “I need strength from God, just as you do. That is why we celebrate the Eucharist. Only in this holy Sacrament of the Eucharist can we experience Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Only in the Eucharist can we have the Food of Heaven to strengthen us as we walk in pilgrimage to our true home in heaven.”

Bishop Martino noted that Jesus endured suffering throughout His life, not just at the crucifixion. The Bishop cited the day’s Gospel reading, which tells how Jesus returned to His hometown to proclaim God’s love to his neighbors and relatives. But Jesus does not receive a loving response or even a respectful response. Instead, people ask insulting questions about the source of His divine power.

“I know that many of you feel abandoned,” Bishop Martino told the Latinos in the congregation. “You miss your family and friends at home. It has been difficult to live without your family here in Hazleton. Perhaps a few of your new neighbors do not treat you with love and respect.

“That is very sad, because Jesus wants to live in their hearts, too, just as He lives in your hearts. He wants everyone to be one in Him and one with one another. He does not want anyone treated the way He was treated in His own hometown. Console Jesus today with your love for Him, and let Him console you as you experience the same loneliness and rejection which He experienced.”

Bishop Martino urged everyone to rejoice because Jesus has given us membership in the Church.

“The Catholic Church in the Diocese of Scranton is your family. You are beloved members of it,” he said. “The Bishop will not abandon you, because he loves you and knows that our Heavenly Father wants the Bishop to walk with you. Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton will be available to help you with your needs. The good priests, deacons, religious Sisters, and laity of Hazleton will help you in your hour of need. Never forget that you are loved!”

Bishop Martino also asked a special favor of the Latino community.
“As good Catholics, forgive those who offend you, whether in your neighborhood, at work, or even in your own family,” he said. “Love others because Jesus loves you and gives you the Bread of Life to love Him and others with fidelity.

“The more you are like Jesus Christ, the more you walk with Him in sufferings and in joys, the more others, even your critics, will see Jesus in you. ‘Pray for your enemies; do good to those who persecute you,’ Jesus reminds us.”

The Bishop commended the assembly to the Blessed Mother, who “will help us to be brave, patient, and forgiving. She, like her Son Jesus, will never abandon us.”
Finally, the Bishop reminded everyone to put their trust in Jesus Christ.

“Jesus craves our faith, which means that He wants us to give ourselves with complete trust to Him,” he said. “In view of how much He loves us, how much he suffered for us, how willing He is to be with us here and now in this Eucharist, let us give Him what He intensely desires from us: our gift of ourselves to Him in love and trust.”