A moment from the witness portion of the vigil…

WE ARE ONE CHURCH ONE FAMILY

A National Day of Public Witness for Immigrants

Communications

More than 153 years ago, Sisters of St. Joseph were invited to Boston to serve a marginalized immigrant population. On October 22, 2025, we joined with Catholics across the U.S. in a national day of public witness for our immigrant brothers and sisters.

After an opening prayer, sisters, associates, agrégées, partners in mission, and friends gathered along Cambridge Street near the Motherhouse. Pedestrians beamed at us as we held signs saying, “Diversity is God’s Idea,” “We support the Dear Neighbor,” “Build Bridges, Not Walls” (a quote of Pope Francis), and other immigrant-welcoming sentiments.

Betsy Conway, CSJ, at the vigil…

“One Church, One Family” refers to the national Catholic initiative calling for public witness and action in support of immigrants and refugees.  It is grounded in Catholic social teaching, which emphasizes the inherent dignity of every person, and calls for welcoming and caring for migrants and refugees as brothers and sisters. 

Bus drivers honking, cyclists ringing their bells, motorists honking — for the most part, these were sounds of agreement. One man honked several times raising up his fist in a symbol of solidarity. As I looked on, I thought to myself: this is Allston-Brighton! Of course everyone is going to agree. It’s practically preaching to the choir. But then, as if in response to my musings, a husky voice yelled out, “BOOOO!! Go home!” Softly, in response, a vigil attendee murmured “We’re all home.” A shuttle bus covered in signage saying “Trump 2028” drove by, the silence louder than the heckling uttered moments before.

Regis students, with MSC residents  in the Dominican Republic.  

Such backlash didn’t shake vigil attendees; it only brought more meaning to the vigil. After all, what use is a display of support when it’s unanimous in the place where it’s given? Occasionally, the light would change, forcing drivers to stop at our vigil for several moments. We made eye contact.

Later, another man drove by, waving joyfully, then blowing us a kiss. A lady passed by, sounding her horn and giving us a thumbs up. A policeman drove by silently, then, issuing several honks.

Dorothea Masuret, CSJ, one of the vigil organizers, commented, “I was deeply moved by the diversity of those who gathered: Sisters of every age – even some on canes and walkers, neighbors from local parishes and organizations, as well as, trustees and heads of our various ministries.”

The vigil concluded with the gentle sounding of a bell. As the ringing subsided, vigil attendees left their posts along Cambridge Street.

In reflecting on the prayer vigil, Maureen Doherty, CSJ, remarked, “Being together in prayer for our immigrant sisters and brothers was truly a grace-filled experience.  I am grateful that our CSJ Mission of Unifying Love is very much alive.” As the family of St. Joseph, we continue to stand for the rights of immigrants, our dear neighbors, regardless of any discomfort or challenges it may bring. As one church, one family, we aim to live that truth together.

Marie Theresa, CSJ, sounding the bell ending the vigil.

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One Church, One Family builds on the binational Mass at the U.S.-Mexico Border in San Luis, just 10 days earlier on October 12, in which Bishops from both countries called attention to the urgent crisis facing migrants. As Catholics and people of deep faith, we reject the culture of fear and silence that dehumanizes, and we choose instead to stand with migrants. Every person is beloved, every person belongs. As one church, one family, we aim to live that truth together. This campaign is sponsored by the Jesuit Refugee Service, the Sisters of Providence Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, the Jesuits West province, the Jesuits East province, Kino Border Initiative, the Sisters of Saint Joseph U.S. Federation, the Sisters of Mercy, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and the Ignatian Solidarity Network. Visit One Church, One Family to learn more.