SAN ANTONIO – Churchgoers at San Fernando Cathedral on Sunday morning participated in an uncommon service, during which, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller addressed troubling issues he sees in our country.
"We are condemning racism and discrimination, and pray to God we will have the strength to be consistent and will love everyone without exception," Garcia-Siller said.
The archbishop condemned the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, and wanted to remember the immigrants who died in a truck in a San Antonio Walmart parking lot last month.
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He called for unity and it resonated with parishioners.
"Things that are happening in our country are unacceptable,” said Lodie Mueller, one of the hundreds of people who filled the church for Sunday's service. “We as people of faith have to stand up against those things in every way and speak out for those who have no voice and who are vulnerable."
Mueller wasn't alone, churchgoers said the message was an important one people needed to hear.
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"We have to support our people we have to support our different people, even people not from here so we can help the community as a whole," Sarah Ospina said.
San Antonio elected leaders were also in attendance. Councilman Greg Brockhouse said the Mass conveyed a message people across the country need to hear.
"We have to be reminded as, not only Catholics, but as leaders, period, that sometimes we have to get off the numbers and spreadsheet and realize people need help," Brockhouse said.
It is a message parishioners said was a step in the right direction.
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"Certainly an expression of sorrow and grief, well-merited, but also a sign of hope for transformation if we work together," Mueller said.
Today the San Fernando Cathedral is holding a special mass to stand with all immigrants and call for an end to racism #SanAntonio pic.twitter.com/CKa9otyUcw
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) August 20, 2017
