During her emotional talk on September 9 at the 2024 International Eucharistic Congress in Quito, Ecuador, Leyden Rovelo shared her deep concerns about the plight of thousands of immigrant children who have recently arrived in the United States.

Clearly moved, Rovelo spoke with a heavy heart about the suffering these minors are enduring.

Federal Agencies’ Accountability Issues

Rovelo pointed to troubling official reports revealing that federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, have lost track of between 30,000 and 85,000 of these young immigrants.

“They don’t know where our children are,” she said, expressing her frustration and sorrow.

The Catholic Church’s Stance on Immigration

Rovelo, who serves as the director of Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri, explained the Catholic Church’s position on immigration.

“The Church acknowledges the right of nations to control their borders and manage migration,” she said.

However, she clarified that this acceptance does not support harsh or inhumane measures.

Instead, the Church advocates for upholding human dignity throughout the immigration process.

Historical Contributions and Current Challenges

She also reflected on the positive impact of Hispanic immigrants on American parish life since 1565, when the first Mass was celebrated in St. Augustine, Florida.

Rovelo noted that while Hispanic immigrants have revitalized many parishes, this has not been without challenges.

She recounted a heart-wrenching story of a woman who lost her 5-year-old daughter during the journey to the U.S. and couldn’t even remember where she had buried her.

Embracing the Divine in Every Migrant

Rovelo emphasized that migrants embody the Gospel and reflect the image of God.

She urged people to recognize their inherent human worth rather than viewing them through political or legal lenses.

“We are all on a journey,” she said.

“Migrants are seeking their place in the world just as we are, and we should serve as bridges to a better life for them.”

The Church’s Role in Addressing Migration

Finally, Rovelo praised the American bishops’ efforts to alleviate the suffering of migrants and called on countries of origin to tackle the root causes of migration.

She underscored the Church’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, democratic institutions, and policies that respect human rights.

“The goal is to create environments where people can thrive in their home countries, reducing the need to embark on perilous journeys,” she concluded.