Cardinal says Chavez still inspires commitment to immigration reform

Published: 2007-03-28

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- Cesar Chavez's commitment to justice for the most vulnerable members of society continues to influence Catholics today who are fighting for comprehensive immigration reform, said Cardinal Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles during the annual Mass honoring the legendary labor leader. "We have this Mass every year near his birthday, because we want to keep alive the spirit of his spirituality and his deep commitment to the protection of all in a nonviolent way," said Cardinal Mahony at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 25. "We are, this moment, hoping and working so that we will get a just and fair comprehensive immigration law passed and signed before the August recess of this Congress," he added. The cardinal said "just immigration reform" must offer a path to legal residency for the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants already in the country and not just for those who come in the future. More information on immigration reform is available on the Web at: www.justiceforimmigrants.com. Donations to assist California farmworkers hurt by the January citrus freeze may be made online at: www.chavezfoundation.org.

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