The Stuart Center/Society of the Sacred Heart made visible our commitment to immigrant children through participation in the planning and implementation of the Catholic Day of Action on July 18. Along with hundreds of Catholics spanning the nation and representing more than 200 Catholic organizations, members of the Stuart Center Team and supporters, gathered on the West lawn of the US Capitol. The day's events included a rally and prayer condemning the treatment of migrant children and the opportunity to hear from both Catholic leaders and those impacted by the decisions made in recent months.
From prayerful time on the West Lawn, participants moved to the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building where peaceful prayer continued, along with the non-violent civil disobedience of 70 religious sisters and brothers, priests and lay women and men. These individuals of conviction and commitment made visible the issues and actions that continue to leave children in situations of harm and risk at detention centers.
Stuart Center acted as part of the support team for this action, assisting in planning, creation of the banners that highlighted the action, providing housing for participants and a welcoming space for gathering before and after the event.
As only one of a series of events sponsored by the Catholic Organizations of the DC Catholic Coalition, the focus remains centered on the impact detention has on the lives of children -- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As educators, we know the necessity of right action in the life of a child and the long-lasting implications for the harm being done to children in detention. We will continue to provide updates regarding the next phases of this action.
See related coverage: RSCJ Join Catholic Day of Action
