sanctuary Archives

Lebanese sanctuary where Mary, Jesus rested is ‘very holy land’

May 4, 2021

In the village of Maghdouché, overlooking the ancient Mediterranean coastal city of Sidon, a statue of the Blessed Mother holding the infant Jesus graces the hilltop. It is also the site where holy tradition says Mary waited for her Jesus while he was preaching in Sidon and Tyre, thus the name, “Our Lady of Mantara,” or “waiting.”

By Doreen Abi Raad

ICE withdraws big fines for immigrants living in churches

Oct 24, 2019

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is reversing course months after threatening six-figure fines against immigrants taking sanctuary at churches.

By Kantele Franko

Priests hear from Honduran living in sanctuary church in St. Louis

Jun 30, 2019

Nearly five dozen priests attending the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests annual assembly spent 90 minutes with a Honduran who sought protection from deportation in a St. Louis-area church.

By Dennis Sadowski

Immigration activist takes sanctuary in Denver church

Mar 16, 2019

An immigration activist who was granted a temporary stay from deportation after seeking sanctuary inside Denver churches for months has once again taken up shelter inside a house of faith.

By Associated Press

Judge temporarily halts deportation of Indonesian Christians

Feb 4, 2018

A federal judge has temporarily halted deportation proceedings against Indonesian Christians who are in the U.S. illegally but are seeking to gain legal status, including a man honored for his work helping to rebuild more than 200 homes after Superstorm Sandy.

By Associated Press

Bishop Bransfield dedicates altar at renovated West Virginia basilica

Dec 31, 2017

Bishop Michael J. Bransfield dedicated a new altar and blessed the renovated sanctuary at the Basilica of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Charleston as he welcomed hundreds of people to what he called a “wonderful house of God.”

By Colleen Rowan

Hunger strikers in D.C. want sanctuary churches in every American diocese

Aug 23, 2017

Hunger strikers at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., including an 87-year-old nun, are asking that the Archdiocese of Washington and every other Catholic diocese in America open at least one parish church as a sanctuary for undocumented immigrants facing the risk of deportation or other legal challenges.

By Christopher White

Archdiocese tells workers to ask ICE agents for warrants

May 28, 2017

Catholic churches across the United States have bee trying to decide upon the best course of action in protecting their parishioners who may fall into the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE. In Albuquerque, for example, employees of the diocese have been given specific instructions on what to do in a raid.

By Associated Press