Welcoming Mass Campaign to Be Discussed on CatholicTV Talk Show

On Friday, October 9th, Fr. Richard Wilson and Patricia Montes will appear on the CatholicTV talk show “This is the Day”. Patricia is the Executive Director of Centro Presente, which is an organization which provides assistance and empowerment to immigrants. Also on the show will be Fr. Richard Wilson. In addition to serving as Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in New Bedford, Fr. Wilson is the Director of the Hispanic Apostolate for the Diocese of Fall River, MA. Across Massachusetts the Hispanic population grew 25% from 2000-2007 and 49% from 1990 to 2000.

CatholicTV is a nationally-broadcasted television network headquartered near Boston. CatholicTV streams its broadcast simultaneously, 24 hours a day at www.CatholicTV.com

Both guests will discuss a new campaign meant to welcome immigrants to Massachusetts called “Welcoming Mass”. One goal of this campaign is to recognize that immigrants are fellow human beings. The campaign is a statewide initiative to affirm Massachusetts as a Commonwealth that welcomes and respects the dignity of all people. Advocates believe the initiative is consistent with Christ’s teaching in Matthew chapter 25:35 which says I was “a stranger, and you welcomed me.”

Centro Presente assists immigrants through education & legal services as well as through advocacy and other programs as well. Centro Presente is operated and led primarily by Central American immigrants, Centro Presente struggles for immigrant rights and for economic and social justice. Through the integration of community organizing, leadership development, and basic services, Centro Presente strives to give members voice and to build community power.

The Hispanic Apostolate of the Diocese of Fall River addresses the pastoral needs of the Spanish-speaking community and facilitates their participation in the life of the Church. The Apostolate has area offices located throughout the diocese.
These guests can be seen on Friday, October 9th live at 10:30AM (EST) on CatholicTV where available (rebroadcast at 8PM). The show will also be streamed simultaneously at www.CatholicTV.com and will be available on the site’s archives starting Friday night. All videos at the website are viewable in full-screen. Paste this URL into your browser in order to access the “This is the Day” video archives. http://www.CatholicTV.org/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72