Prelate: immigrants are the ‘new Irish in our midst’
February 20, 2014
Speaking at an immigration-reform event in Indianapolis, Archbishop Joseph Tobin said that contemporary immigrants are the “new Irish in our midst,” according to a report in Nuvo, an alternative newspaper.
“In this country, except for Native American Catholics, every one of us is a child or grandchild or great-grandchild of immigrants,” he said. “My grandparents lived with the ‘Irish Need Not Apply’ signs, and that is still very ingrained in the memory of my family. If we are uncaring about the new Irish in our midst -- the Hispanics, the Africans, the Asians -- on the day of judgment, it won't be them who condemn us. It will be our grandparents.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: [email protected] -
Feb. 20, 2014 8:10 PM ET USA
Dear Bishop. Even native Americans were immigrants and even moved around within the boundaries of the Americas. At least the Irish came here legally. In many states, and not that long ago, there were still signs around of "Catholics Need Not Apply." What you are saying to all those who came legally and those who even now waiting that they are fools. Just break the law and all will be well with the Church.
-
Posted by: fenton1015153 -
Feb. 20, 2014 7:01 PM ET USA
Archbishop Joseph Tobin is wrong. Even the Native American Catholics are immigrants. Besides the Irish that came to America came to become a part of the great new country. They brought their Irish customs but melted into the fabric of America. Can the same be said about the new 'immigrants' that Tobin addresses?
