Strangers No Longer, a parish-based Catholic organization providing support and advocacy for immigrants in Michigan, will hold a special Mass and procession on Sunday, September 29 celebrating the diversity of nationalities in our region. The event will be held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Detroit with a procession of hundreds of people representing many ethnic nationalities and area high school students, beginning at 2:40 p.m. The Mass will follow at 3:30 p.m.
“We are inviting everyone in our community to attend this celebration, held on the 110th Day of Prayer for Migrants and Refugees,” said Rev. David Buersmeyer, a senior priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and a co-founder of Strangers No Longer. “Catholics, people of all faiths, immigrants, allies and advocates of Jesus’ call to ‘welcome the stranger’ – all are welcome.”
This is the first time in its seven-year history that members, supporters and advocates for immigrants have gathered in such a large religious setting.
“The Cathedral is the headquarters of the Catholic Church in Michigan,” said Rev. Buersmeyer. “We will have participants from most major Michigan cities, all coming together to express support for undocumented residents and recognize the importance of diversity in our society.”
Rev. Buersmeyer further explained that immigration has become a controversial issue, with much focus on border control. “Jesus Christ and his parents were migrants who had to leave their home country to escape political persecution. Catholic Church doctrine teaches us that we must welcome the migrant and treat him or her the way we want to be treated.” In most worldwide cultures there is something we call ‘The Golden Rule.’ We must practice this.”
A brief description of events follows:
- 2:40 p.m. The Walk Celebrating Diversity Two processions, led by high school leaders, will march in circular paths on the Cathedral property for about one-half mile, entering the building at the front entrance. Marchers will carry posters and parish banners, identifying the local Circles of Support from throughout Michigan.
- 2:40 p.m. Cathedral front entrance porch. Cristo Rey of Lansing Choir; Ste. Anne de Detroit Marimba Band; the Ugandan Catholic Community of Michigan Choir. Stations presented by high school students with posters about what is happening around the world. Many visuals to see, especially for those attending, but not marching.
- 3:30 p.m. Celebration of Diversity Mass African-American Choir (Sacred Heart Parish, Detroit); the Ugandan Choir and Drums, the combined choir of Ste. Anne Choir (Detroit) and Cristo Rey Choir (Lansing). Aztec Matachine Procession (Holland). Mass prayers and scripture readings will be said in many languages. The offertory procession will include representatives of many cultures – providing symbols of struggle and hope. Many sacred sounds and visuals will be available.
The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is at 9844 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. Located north of Midtown Detroit, near Boston-Edison historic neighborhood. Free, guarded parking is available on the cathedral property. If needed, on-street parking is nearby.
Strangers No Longer, founded in Detroit in 2017, is a network of Catholics in Michigan in major population centers, building Circles of Support in parishes, immigrant communities and Catholic high schools to respond effectively to the call by Pope Francis and the bishops to respond to immigrants as our brothers and sisters. Circles of Support, now numbering 24 in SE Michigan, provide education, accompaniment and advocacy to immigrant residents. Additionally, Strangers No Longer is helping parishioners create Assemblies for Human Dignity in the Gaylord and Saginaw Dioceses and is conducting a campaign of educational outreach to Dairy Farmworkers across Michigan, advising them on prevention of the Bird Flu (H5N1) virus. Visit www.strangersnolonger.org or email strangersnolonger11@gmail.com
