Bishop Joseph V. Brennan of the Diocese of Fresno is planning to celebrate Mass at the California City Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility on Monday as part of what diocesan officials describe as his ongoing pastoral commitment to immigrants and detainees.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur faith calls us to accompany those who are vulnerable, the stranger, the poor, and those who feel alone. The visit is a small but important expression of that accompaniment.\u201d \u2014 Chandler Marquez, director of public affairs, Catholic Diocese of Fresno<\/p>\n
Chandler Marquez, director of public affairs for the Diocese of Fresno, said the California Conference of Catholic Bishops, in collaboration with diocesan clergy and chaplains, is coordinating with ICE regarding the visit. However, the diocese is still awaiting clearance to hold Mass at 9 a.m. inside the detention facility.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegardless of clearance, \u00a0we will be holding Mass in the parking lot to stand in solidarity,\u201d Marquez said.<\/p>\n
Media access inside the facility has not been approved. According to Marquez, the visit would be church-only access.<\/p>\n
Pastoral Outreach<\/p>\n
Diocesan officials said the visit was not prompted by any single policy change, local concern or national event. Instead, they described it as part of Bishop Brennan\u2019s continued pastoral outreach amid what they called the \u201ccurrent immigration climate.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to offer prayer, pastoral care, and a visible reminder that every person is worthy of dignity and spiritual support,\u201d Marquez said. \u201cOur faith calls us to accompany those who are vulnerable, the stranger, the poor, and those who feel alone. The visit is a small but important expression of that accompaniment.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added that the message to those in detention is clear: \u201cYou are not alone. The Church walks with you, prays with you, and cares about your spiritual and human needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently issued a special message on immigration during its plenary assembly in Baltimore, outlining the Church\u2019s broader position on immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n
As of now, neither ICE nor local officials have publicly commented on the visit, and diocesan representatives said they are not aware of any protests or criticism related to the planned Mass.<\/p>\n