Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters in Huntington, Indiana, are joining the call to take part in a National Day of Action for Children on Friday, June 1, in an effort to stop the separation of migrant families at the southern U.S. border.
Since October, 2017, more that 700 children have been separated from their parents, including more than 100 under the age of four. On May 4, 2018, DHS stated that it will refer all individuals who cross the border without authorization for criminal prosecution, including adult members of family units. If implemented, this policy will undoubtedly lead to a drastic increase in incidences of family separation. On this day honoring Mary, we urge you to think about the families that will face forcible separation.
Families are the foundation of our communities, and as people of faith, the Victory Noll Sisters know the importance of family unity. Children are vulnerable and should not be separated from their parents. The family is a foundational element of Catholic teaching and family unity is a cornerstone of our American immigration system. Separating parents from their children will not deter families from seeking safety and security in the U.S.
Right now, the Trump administration is shamefully separating parents from their children at the U.S. border, as well as detaining and prosecuting and parents. Since it became official U.S. policy to routinely separate children from their parents, hundreds of children have been ripped from their families—658 children in the first 13 days of the program alone. No one benefits when families cannot be together. It is critical that we make our voices heard and tell our national leaders to stop family separation and protect family unity.
The Victory Noll Sisters urge others to join in this National Day of Action for Children. Individuals may take part in a number of ways, including: Calling or emailing your members of Congress, making your voice known on social media, or writing letters to local media outlets..
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters is a religious community of women dedicated to serving the poor in the name of Christ. Founded in 1922 by Father John Joseph Sigstein, the members of the Victory Noll community minister to those in need.