Dear Brothers,

As our natural world, at least in the northern hemisphere, changes daily from black and white to
brown and green, so rapidly are changes happening in our world of racial and economic justice. The
recent passage of health care reform has been related to the passage of civil rights and Medicare and
Medicaid 50 years ago. I am not sure yet of all of its implications, but I am grateful that Congress can
move on with other pressing needs in the country.

One of these important issues that we’ll be hearing more about is immigration reform. Our bishops have spoken strongly and unitedly about the need for humane and comprehensive immigration
reform. On March 19, concerning the upcoming march in Washington, Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, who is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, wrote: “No doubt, many faces in the crowd Sunday will be U.S. citizens who know the terror of having a loved one deported. There are sure to be others there, particularly younger immigrants, who know the frustration of being unable to fully contribute their talents to the future of our nation. They represent only a fraction of the millions who have painful stories about our broken immigration system. Yet they all maintain the audacity to hope that America, in its wisdom, will soon repair it. For they are part of the answer to our nation’s challenges, not the problem. For their sake and ours, let us not let them down.”

These are powerful words and similar to those I heard from some of you in our discussions about
what issues of justice were important to you. I ask you to follow the bishops’ lead—more information can be found on their website, http://www.usccb.org/mrs/--and call your federal representatives and senators. I have heard that our public officials receive eight times more calls against immigrants and so we must renew our efforts to share our side of this story.

On a different note, Fr. Pat and I attended the Penn State Agricultural Conference the week after
our province chapter. Despite the snowstorm a huge crowd attended, many of college age, which bodes well for the future of our agricultural industry. We heard some talks and spoke to many exhibitors about our hopes for a CSA and our search for a farmer. I believe the positive response we received from many of them, not to mention the affirming support at the chapter from you, shows the Spirit is moving.

May the light and joy of our risen Lord fill your lives.

Click for justice and peace efforts from the Conference of Major Superiors of Men