WASHINGTON - The Vatican has designated Sunday, September 27 as the World Day for Migrants and Refugees. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 106th observance of this day is “Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee” a focus on the plight of internally displaced persons. Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington, and chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration issued the following comment:

Perpetually renewed by the joy and grace of healing, Eliza Cobos radiates gratitude for her journey to God after decades of anguish.

“It’s nice to say I have a relationship with God,” Eliza offers candidly, with emphasis on relationship and deeply aware of its saving grace. Now 47, and empowered with a newfound clarity of faith and purpose, she reflects on a 10-year succession of events which reconciled her past and defined her life as a new creation in Christ.

“In 2010, I decided to go back to church,” Eliza speaks softly, disclosing her long absence from the pews “because after I had the abortion, I couldn’t go.” Feeling shame she confides, “I didn’t think I deserved to go near because I knew what I had done.”

Nearly 20 years had passed since her abortion at age 18.

In light of the fires burning in counties throughout the Diocese, Bishop Jaime Soto has asked the faithful of the Diocese of Sacramento to pray for all those affected, especially the residents who have been displaced, lost their residences or evacuated. Ask for God’s protection upon the firefighters and emergency personnel. Pray for those who have died and all those suffering loss during this catastrophic time.

“The scenes of suffering experienced by our brothers and sisters who have lost their homes and livelihood move us all to grieve with those affected.  We join our prayers to theirs asking God’s tender mercy to bolster our faith and sustain our hope in His loving providence.