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Chicago Catholic Priest Who Donated Part of his Liver to Immigrant Crosses the U.S. Border Illegally
The Chicago priest known for having donated part of his liver to an immigrant parishioner in 2002 returns to Chicago tonight after having crossed the U.S. Border in Nogales, AZ illegally on April 24th, 2013. The Pastor of Saint Gall Roman Catholic
Church in Chicago, Fr. Gary Graf asks for forgiveness for having willfully and knowingly violated federal immigration laws and calls all parties involved in the immigration debate to begin an authentic dialogue that delivers real results.
Ordained a Catholic priest in 1984 and having witnessed first hand the devastating effects in our communities due to the current immigration system, Fr. Gary decided to experience what families in his parish church experience first hand. This civil act of disobedience aims to open up an authentic dialogue regarding this issue that divides our nation.
Fr. Graf would like to open up this dialogue with these first seven words: “Sorry, Thank you, I need your help.” He continues, “I’m sorry for entering the country through the window and by not knocking on the door. As pastor I want to say Thank you for generally having accepted those who have entered this country the way I have just done and allowing them the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. I need your help. I invite pastors, rabbis and imams to initiate authentic dialogue in their faith communities throughout our country that move us from seeing people as illegal to people with dignity who share our same hopes and dreams.”
Saturday, April 27, 2013
5:30 PM- Fr. Gary arrives at O’Hare airport via U.S. Airways, parishioners welcome him.
7:00 PM- Fr. Gary Celebrates Mass for his parishioners at St. Gall and shares his journey.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
10:30 am Fr. Gary celebrates mass with parishioners.
Published in Latino Daily News
2013-04-28 07:01:59
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