Good Friday a day to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus

Parishioners on the Central Coast celebrated Good Friday with a church service.

While the day commemorates Jesus’ death, one priest in Salinas believes Christ’s life should lead to more compassion. And as the discussion surrounding immigration continues, many faith-based communities are a place of refuge for people who seek a better life in our country.

Father Daniel Derry of Madonna Del Sasso Catholic Church in Salinas says many people with concerns about immigration are looking for help and counsel. He says the church plays an important role in hearing and sharing their stories.

“Well, the role of the church is to keep American people aware of the tragedy that is going on, of the dignity of each person, of the hurt that happens to family and of the basic humanity we’re all called to have towards the needy,” said Derry.

Undocumented or not, many immigrants say they are afraid of being separated from their families, but Father Derry says they have the church to rest on.

“We have to do not what is the most economically convenient, but what is the most morally correct and humane in our dealings with others,” he said.

Whether it is undocumented immigrants or refugees, the best we can do according to Father Derry is to show compassion.

“I know people have their political and their economic commitments, but I think that the mind of Christianity is that one of things we’re all called to do is change our minds when it doesn’t coincide with what might well be what God asks of us,” he said.

The Roman Catholic Church is no stranger to immigration issues. Last year, Pope Francis appeared to suggest that then-candidate Donald Trump was “not Christian” because he wanted to build a wall at the US-Mexico border.

The Vatican later clarified those comments were not an attempt to sway voters or an attack on Trump. As for parishioners in Salinas, they see the issue very clearly.

“To me, we’re all God’s children. I don’t think He picks and chooses who are more apt to be here than another,” said Susan Valdez, a parishioner at Madonna Del Sasso Catholic Church.

“I believe that the church believes in that we’re all one race. I believe that very strongly that I don’t care what you put up with a wall or whatever, it’s not going to matter,” said Yolanda Olea, also a parishioner.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has historically opposed “enforcement only” immigration policies. They have supported a path to citizenship.