San Antonio Archbishop Discusses His Childhood in Mexico and Why He Won’t Issue a Mass Dispensation
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller discussed his childhood experiences under a repressive regime in Mexico. The archbishop addressed his decision not to issue a Mass dispensation for those fearful of immigration enforcement. He detailed plans to address the spiritual and physical needs of immigrants within his archdiocese. Archbishop García-Siller shared his views on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the San Antonio area. He mentioned the recent appointment of a new president and CEO for Catholic Charities.
about 1 month ago
Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of San Antonio has decided against issuing a Mass dispensation for immigrants fearing deportation, unlike some other U.S. bishops.1
He emphasized that discouraging attendance at sacraments and community life contradicts Church mission, expressing hope that ICE targets only violent criminals while sparing hardworking, legally processing immigrants.1
The archbishop criticized recent ICE actions and the halt of programs like temporary protected status (TPS), which he says turns legal immigrants into illegals.1
He described the situation as "grotesque" and a deprivation of human dignity, likening it to tyrannical repression, while acknowledging the need to protect borders from proven criminals.1
Instead of dispensations, García-Siller plans to bring catechists, Communion, food, clothing, medication, and services directly to hidden immigrants' homes.1
He stressed the Church's role as the "voice of the voiceless," urging freedom from fear since "Jesus set us free," and noted government's lack of support makes Church aid essential.1
García-Siller shared experiences from 1960s Mexico, where anti-Catholic laws from the 1917 Constitution—lingering from the Cristero War era—banned priests from voting, earning salaries, owning property, or wearing clerical attire.1
In schools, nuns couldn't be called "sisters," and Catholic textbooks were prohibited; he views this as minor compared to current U.S. immigrant plight, noting reforms came in 1992 after papal visits.1
The archbishop appointed Ada Saenz, current CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio, as the new president and CEO of Catholic Charities San Antonio.1
Under her leadership, the organization aims to creatively support the impoverished, persecuted, and immigrants through faith-driven service.1
Assess Catholic teaching on immigration and pastoral care
Catholic teaching on immigration emphasizes the inherent dignity of every human person, created in God's image, and calls for a balanced approach that respects both the right of nations to secure their borders and the right of individuals to migrate in search of safety, sustenance, or family unity. Rooted in Scripture—particularly Christ's identification with the stranger ("I was a stranger and you welcomed me," Mt 25:35)—and developed through papal encyclicals, bishops' documents, and social doctrine, this teaching urges pastoral care that welcomes migrants humanely while promoting just laws and integration. The Church does not advocate "open borders" but insists on solidarity, family unity, due process, and addressing root causes of migration, viewing immigration as intrinsically linked to human dignity and the common good.
At its core, Catholic social teaching frames migration through the lens of human dignity and fraternity. Every person bears the image of God, deserving respect regardless of legal status, and the Gospel mandates welcoming the vulnerable. Pope John Paul II echoed this in addresses to bishops, highlighting the Church's historical role in aiding immigrants: "For over two hundred years, the Church has welcomed the waves of new immigrants to the shores of your country... This pastoral care of the immigrant... reflects the love of Christ in the Gospels." Similarly, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) stresses that "the image of the migrant is grounded in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ," obligating nations to protect those fleeing violence or persecution while recognizing sovereign rights.
This duty of solidarity extends universally, as articulated in broader social encyclicals. Pope John Paul II in Sollicitudo Rei Socialis described the "duty of solidarity" amid global interdependence, where the poverty driving migration demands moral consideration from all, especially in wealthy nations. Fratelli Tutti reinforces fraternity, portraying St. Francis as a model who walked "alongside the poor, the abandoned... and the outcast." These principles underscore that immigration policy must prioritize ethical development over mere economic gain.
Catholic doctrine affirms two complementary rights: the sovereign right of nations to control borders and regulate immigration "with due respect for the human rights of all," and the natural right of individuals to migrate when necessary for survival. The USCCB explicitly states: "The bishops of the United States continue to affirm the natural right to migrate, balanced with the right of countries to maintain their borders." This balance rejects extremes—neither unrestricted entry nor harsh deterrence without humanitarian protections.
On irregular migration, the Church teaches compassion without endorsement: countries may enforce laws proportionally, but must uphold family unity, asylum access, and due process. For instance, the USCCB supports border security measures in bipartisan bills like the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, provided they include legalization paths and avoid punishing aid to newcomers. Dreamers and long-term residents exemplify contributions warranting citizenship paths, as "they are contributors to our economy, veterans... and leaders in our parishes." Prudential judgment applies here; while universal teachings on dignity bind, specific policies involve discernment guided by bishops' recommendations.
Pastoral guidelines urge addressing root causes—poverty, violence, persecution—through development aid and diplomacy, as in calls for humanitarian assistance amid global conflicts.
The Church's mission demands active pastoral care for migrants, from arrival to integration. Catholic organizations provide essential services: meals, shelter, medical aid, legal orientation, sacraments in detention, anti-trafficking support, and resettlement help like job placement and language classes. These efforts cooperate with governments and counter claims of encouraging illegality: "Catholic organizations provide resettlement and integration services... to promote compliance with applicable laws."
Popes have repeatedly directed bishops to prioritize this. John Paul II instructed U.S. bishops to continue "pastoral outreach" to immigrants, commending aid to millions of undocumented toward legal status. In Europe, Ecclesia in Europa calls for "specific pastoral care... for the integration of Catholic immigrants," including priests from origin countries and advocacy for refugee status. To Filipino immigrants, he urged solidarity amid family strains; to Asian bishops, "pastoral support and care" for arriving Catholics, especially via "dialogue of life" serving the needy together.
The USCCB/MRS exemplifies this, resettling refugees and advocating asylum amid policy threats, affirming: "Nations have an obligation to respect the human rights of migrants and to protect the right to life for those fleeing violence." Such care fosters inculturation, preserving faith amid challenges, without diluting doctrine.
In the U.S., the USCCB champions comprehensive reform: expanding legal pathways, family unity, asylum preservation, and root-cause solutions, while opposing enforcement-only approaches. Priorities include bills like the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and Afghan Adjustment Act. This reflects a "humane response to newcomers," linking immigration to broader justice for the poor.
Historically, waves like French Canadians built thriving parishes, proving immigrants' Providential role. Today, amid border crises, the Church defends ministries against restrictions, insisting services reduce chaos by aiding compliance.
In summary, Catholic teaching integrates doctrinal balance—dignity-driven rights with sovereign duties—and urgent pastoral action: welcome practically, integrate faithfully, reform justly. This fidelity to Christ’s command equips the faithful to respond with compassion and wisdom.