Chicago priests use Lent as time to fast, work for immigration reform

Published: 2006-03-10

CHICAGO (CNS) -- The Catholic Church in Chicago was built by immigrants, and now draws much of its life from immigrant populations. Dozens of priests in the archdiocese are honoring the church's commitment to immigrants this year during Lent, beginning with a fast on Ash Wednesday for immigrant rights. "We're doing this because otherwise, we could all be in jail next year," said Father Don Nevins at a Feb. 24 meeting to announce the plans. Father Nevins' parish, St. Francis of Assisi, hosted a Feb. 28 commissioning ceremony for the priests, who committed to a day without any food, unlike the traditional Ash Wednesday fast which allows at least one full meal. "One of the things we can do as priests is do some things publicly. ... This is a season in which, by our prayer and by our fasting, we're hoping to change the hearts and minds of our legislators," he said. The priests are concerned because an immigration bill passed in the U.S. House in December would make it a crime punishable by up to five years in prison to aid undocumented immigrants, whether by giving them food, clothing or advice.

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