By Bishop Rutilio J. del Riego
The new year has brought renewed hope for our immigrant brothers and sisters who have suffered under current federal laws in this area. Perhaps recognizing the signs of the most recent presidential election, policymakers in Washington D.C. have declared that comprehensive reform of the U.S. immigration system is a top priority in 2013 and they have, indeed, begun to lay out the principles of a proposed reform package. Whether or not this is politically motivated should not be our chief concern.
A few of our priests in the Diocese of San Bernardino have been ordained for over 40 years. Every year we celebrate the 25th, 45th, and 50th anniversaries of ordination of some of our priests. It is a joyful occasion for the Bishop, the priests and the lay people who participate in the Mass and the fraternal dinner afterwards.