You have to visit the border to understand the migrant caravan. Ep. 82

Family separations, the caravan, birthright citizenship—immigration stories have dominated the headlines in the lead-up to the 2018 midterms. But for Sister Norma Pimentel, who has worked on the U.S.-Mexico border for decades, migration is not a political issue; it is a human issue. As the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Sister Norma accompanies migrants who cross the border seeking asylum and a better life for their families.

 

We ask Sister Norma how her work has changed under the Trump administration, who is really traveling with the migrant caravan and why, and what we can do to help our immigrant brothers and sisters at the border and in our communities.

 

[Explore America’s in-depth coverage of immigration]

 

In Signs of the Times, Pope Francis denounced as “inhuman” the anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburg that left 11 dead and six injured and prayed that we may overcome “hotbeds of hate.” And in Kentucky, a white man shot and killed two African-Americans at a grocery store after failing to gain access to a predominantly black church.

 

Next, the synod on young people came to a close on Oct. 28; we bring you the top takeaways from the synod’s final document. Finally, a new app is being described as Pokémon Go for Catholics. Is this what synod participants had in mind when they said the church needs to reach young people online?

 

Let us know what you think about our conversation with Sister Norma or any of these stories on our Facebook page or Twitter. And please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a member of our Patreon community.

 

Links from the show

Pope Francis denounces attack on Pittsburgh synagogue, expresses closeness to Jewish community

On Squirrel Hill by The Unorthodox podcast

Kroger Shooting Suspect Tried to Enter Black Church Before Killing 2, Police Say

Closing the synod, Pope Francis highlights “the three fundamental steps on the journey of faith”  

New app blends Pokemon Go with catechesis for young users

Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

What’s on tap?

Birthday Girl’s Choice: Luna Nuda Pinot Grigio