A community prayer vigil in support of immigrants, migrants and refugees will be held Jan. 9 at Perry Square across from the federal courthouse.
The event, titled “You Are Not Alone,” is sponsored by NETWORK’s Erie Chapter and Benedictines for Peace. NETWORK is a national Catholic social justice organization founded by Catholic sisters that focuses on advocacy, racial justice and public policy.
Organizers say the vigil is intended to show solidarity with families affected by deportation and immigration enforcement.
The Benedictines for Peace Good Friday Pilgrimage for Peace through downtown Erie on April 18, 2025. On Jan. 9, 2026, the Benedictines for Peace will be organizing a community vigil to show solidarity to immigrants, migrants and refugees.
“Erie is a welcoming city ― and that includes immigrants, refugees and migrants,” said Mary Nelson, coordinator of Erie NETWORK Advocates. “What we want to do is stand in solidarity with those people in our community.”
Nelson said the vigil is not intended as a protest or rally, but as a community gathering to welcome all, emphasizing that everyone — immigrants, refugees, and those not yet citizens — deserves dignity and respect.
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“Many of them are living in fear right now,” she said. “There’s a lot of anxiety and fear of the unknown.”
When is the event?
The 30-minute gathering will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. The vigil will become a monthly event on the second Friday of each month. Nelson said she hopes the vigil will become weekly in the summer.
Where is the event?
The event will take place at Perry Square across from the federal courthouse at 17 S. Park Row in Erie.
What’s the long-term goal?
Nelson said the vigil also carries a broader message for lawmakers.
“We want our elected decision makers — the Congress and Senate and the president — to advocate and legislate for the common good,” she said. “They’ve been kicking the can of immigration down the road for so long.”
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Contact A.J. Rao at arao@gannett.com or 814-440-5080.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Religious groups organize Erie vigil supporting immigrants, refugees