As featured on MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and originally reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, our Provincial Superior, Fr. Paul Keller, CMF, joined a coalition of faith leaders and supporters for a Mass held outside the Broadview Detention Facility in Illinois.
Bringing God’s love to everyone
The Mass, organized by the Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership (CSPL), took place on All Saints’ Day—a holy day of obligation for Catholics honoring all saints. The intent was to bring the Holy Eucharist to migrants detained inside the ICE facility, offering them spiritual comfort and a tangible sign of God’s presence amid confinement.
Despite following all federal requirements and providing more than a week’s notice, access was denied once again. Federal authorities cited reasons such as site safety and processing restrictions, yet the denial underscored ongoing concerns about religious liberty and the dignity of people in detention.
Standing in solidarity with immigrants
The Mass was a powerful act of witness and solidarity and according to the Sun-Times “more than 1,000 people gathered in designated protest areas outside a nearby business for the Mass.”
This moment reflects a broader Claretian commitment to walk with the marginalized and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves—continuing our mission to embody the love of Christ in the face of injustice.
You can read the full article by the Chicago Sun-Times here:
Religious leaders’ request to give Communion to detainees at Broadview facility denied again
And watch the full MSNBC report here (feature begins at minute 2:44):
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