Knights of Columbus in Mexico criticize new Arizona illegal immigration bill

Mexico City, Mexico, May 4, 2010 / 19:51 pm

During their National Convention in Mexico, the Knights of Columbus harshly criticized Arizona's new law designed to curtail illegal immigration.

At their national meeting which takes place every five years and brings together some 600 members, the Knights expressed support for the rights of immigrants and slammed the Arizona for criminalizing the undocumented. The organization emphasized care for orphans, widows and immigrants, and noted  that the founder of the Knights of Columbus, Father Michael J. McGivney, was himself the son of immigrants.

The Knights also noted their support for the Catholic Church and the decisions of Pope Benedict XVI, and said they would continue supporting the handicapped through a wheelchair donation program, the Special Olympics, the promotion of the culture of life and the defense of the family.

During a Mass for the Knights at the Old Basilica of Guadalupe, Archbishop Cristophe Pierre, the Nuncio to Mexico, said the changing times we are experiencing are made manifest in technological and scientific advances at the service of the market to increase efficiency, but that relativism tends to dehumanize man and minimize God. 

He also stated that despite all the problems that the Church is facing, she continues to be channel through which the loving heart of Jesus springs forth.

On Sunday Cardinal Norberto Rivera celebrated the closing Mass at the Cathedral of Mexico City.  During his homily, he lamented those who want to open the doors to more violence and corruption in the Mexican capital, and called on the Knights of Columbus to remain faithful to the Church.