Written by: Mary Koester

In our faith, we are asked by Jesus to "welcome the stranger".

In a larger sense, "stranger" can mean the immigrant, migrant, or refugee, a human in search of a better life, safe from violence and uncertainty. In a more intimate sense, "stranger" can mean the new neighbor down the block, classmate, or co-worker. At one point in time, we were all strangers relying on the goodness and kindness of those around us.

Think back to your childhood. On your first day of kindergarten, were you and your classmates not strangers to each other? Did you and your classmates not build community within the walls of your homeroom? As an adult, when you started a new job, were you not a stranger to the office and employees? Did you not try to assimilate into the office dynamic? Were there not people introducing themselves to welcome you aboard the team? In our world, hundreds of thousands of people are becoming "strangers" not by choice, but through survival. As Americans, we can all relate to this, as we all share a part of a similar journey within our own family history.

Mother Cabrini, the patroness of immigrants, is often confused with the "patroness of immigration". Immigrants and immigration are two very different words. Mother Cabrini's mission was not to usher foreigners to a new land; no, her mission was to help the immigrants who had arrived in the new land and needed support. Mother Cabrini and her sisters built schools, hospitals, and orphanages for the poor Italian immigrants because they were discriminated against by "real" Americans because of their immigrant status and country of origin. Through her profound love and connection with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Cabrini welcomed the stranger, even as a "stranger" herself. It was through her faith that she never saw another human being as an "immigrant" or "illegal alien"; she just saw another soul in need of aid and guidance. She led with compassion to all and dignity to everyone.

As we journey through our Jubilee of Hope, let us reflect on who Jesus is among us. He is the hungry, the sick, the poor, and the stranger. Before we act and pass judgment on Him, let us first reflect on why we had judgment in the first place, and act per the scripture. Let our faith guide us in understanding and forgiveness, rather than judgment.

Welcome The Stranger