A Catholic conference on challenges and opportunities of new media began with a traditional in-person meeting,
Twin Cities Archbishop Bernard Hebda welcomed three cardinals and several dozen bishops to the University of St. Thomas chapel for a Votive Mass of Solidarity with Migrants.
“The digital world can never replace that face-to-face, heart-to-heart mission work,” said Hebda following the solemn service. “We think that way of expressing solidarity that we can have some impact. I’m overwhelmed, really, of the support.
“How wonderful that we could all pray together this morning,” he added.
Washington, D.C. Cardinal Robert McElroy said he believed many people in the country are deeply concerned about what happened in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge.
“The Catholic teachings supports a nation’s right to control its border,” he said. “But, to go into, literally, the heartland of our country and begin to deport with almost a siege of the city of Minneapolis. (That) is contrary to Catholic faith, and more fundamentally contrary to basic human dignity.”
Church leaders reached out to conference organizers in recent weeks, expressing their desire to demonstrate solidarity with the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
"I'm overwhelmed by the support not only of these 3 cardinals, but of the bishops who have gathered in these days as well. How wonderful we could all pray together this morning," Hebda said.