Contacts: Paty Madueño 949-705-7651, Apolonio Morales 510-529-1567Sunday, March 14, Santa Ana – At Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, over 1300 people of faith stood and joined Most Rev. Cirilo Flores, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, raising their arms with palms forward, to deliver a special blessing upon three community representatives, sending them forth to march for comprehensive immigration reform in Washington, D.C.
You can view some video footage of this memorable event on our YouTube page.
The three blessing recipients – Idalia Servin, Leonel Velazquez, and Eddie Carmona – from Orange County Congregation Community Organization will board the “Change Takes Faith and Action” bus for a cross-country tour with PICO National community organizing affiliates nationwide. They are urging local representatives to take leadership and pass legislation which upholds faith traditions and values, focusing on five principles: family unity; legalization with a pathway to citizenship; passage of the DREAM Act; due process; and workers’ rights.
“[Comprehensive immigration reform] is essential for families to have a stable sense of residence, allowing them to step out of fear and participate more fully in building a healthy community,” says Father Edward Poettgen, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
The “Change Takes Faith and Action” bus tour starts in San Francisco on St. Patrick’s Day and makes stops in Sacramento, Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Kansas City, Missouri before the March 21st march and rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“Jesus calls on us to be the light of the world, so we are bringing this light to our families living in the shadows,” says Servin.“There is a message of hope,” says Father Poettgen about the DREAM Act, “not only for the students but for the rest of us to have a future together.”
“We hope to illuminate the hearts and minds of Congress, reminding our representatives of what Jesus said to Pontius Pilate in John 19:10-11, that their power has been given from above,” says Velazquez. “Congress can act for our immigrant families.”
Orange County Human Relations has recognized Leonel Velazquez’s community organizing efforts with OCCCO, and will present him with an award at their Awards 39 reception on May 6th.
Orange County Human Relations has recognized Leonel Velazquez’s community organizing efforts with OCCCO, and will present him with an award at their Awards 39 reception on May 6th.