In 2014, President Obama gave presidential recognition to June as “Immigrant Heritage Month.”
This initiative is promoted by several grassroots organizations in order to support civic efforts to honor the contributions of immigrants to the diversity of communities in the United States.
In one sense, immigrant heritage is already celebrated year-round in cities and towns all over the United States. St. Patrick’s Day parades come to mind. October is both Polish American Heritage Month and Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. These are examples of how nationalities and ethnicities have called on one another to learn about, appreciate and celebrate their particular heritages.
Underlying our embracing and celebrating our cultural heritage is not just a patriotic or nationalistic exuberance. It is also a reflection of our Christian faith and values.
We believe that the human person has an intrinsic dignity and a duty to promote respect for every person in the societies which we build.
When we embrace the common good, we strengthen the social fabric of our families, neighborhoods and cities.
In Matthew’s gospel, there is a revealing comment by Jesus to the apostles: “When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,
This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves. [Jesus] said to them, There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.”
Matthew 14:15-16. NABRE
Jesus is telling his disciples that they are the ones responsible for the well-being of each other.
Let us gladly and festively celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month as a commitment of ourselves, our parish and our neighborhoods to respect each person and each person’s family heritage in order to build communities based on the common good.
