California Bishop Alberto Rojas Issues Decree Dispensing the Faithful from the Obligation to Attend Sunday Mass Due to Fear of ICE (Immigration Enforcement) - FULL TEXT

Bishop Alberto Rojas, of , San Bernardino, California, in the United States, issues a decree dispensing the obligation to attend Sunday Mass due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions.
Yesterday, Bishop Rojas released the decree, stating:

DECREE DISPENSING FROM THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS By the Grace of God and the Apostolic See, Alberto Rojas, Bishop of San Bernardino To all the faithful of the Diocese of San Bernardino
In light of the pastoral needs of our diocese and the concerns expressed by many of our brothers and sisters regarding fears of attending Mass due to potential immigration enforcement actions by civil authorities, I, as your shepherd, issue this decree in accordance with my authority under the Code of Canon Law, particularly Canon 87 §1, which states: "A diocesan bishop, whenever he judges that it contributes to their spiritual good, is able to dispense the faithful from universal and particular disciplinary laws issued for his territory or his subjects by the supreme authority of the Church." Recognizing that fear of immigration enforcement, such as raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), may deter some members of our diocese from fulfilling the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (cf. Canon 1247), and acknowledging that such fear constitutes a grave inconvenience that may impede the spiritual good of the faithful, I hereby decree the following:
*Dispensation from the Obligation to Attend Mass: All members of the faithful in the Diocese of San

Bernardino who, due to genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions, are unable to attend Sunday Mass or Masses on holy days of obligation are dispensed from this obligation, as provided for in Canon 1247, until such time as this decree is revoked or amended.
*Encouragement of Alternative Spiritual Practices: Those dispensed from attending Mass are encouraged to maintain their spiritual communion with Christ and His Church through acts of personal prayer, reading of Sacred Scripture, or participation in devotions such as the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Where possible, the faithful may also participate in televised or online Masses offered by the diocese or other reputable Catholic sources.
*Pastoral Care and Assurance: Pastors, parochial vicars, and other pastoral ministers are to provide compassionate support to those affected by this fear, ensuring that they feel welcomed and safe in communities. Parishes are encouraged to explore alternative means of catechesis and sacramental preparation for those unable to attend regularly.

*Duration and Scope: This dispensation applies to all affected faithful within the territorial boundaries of the Diocese of San Bernardino and remains in effect until further notice or until such time as the circumstances necessitating this decree are sufficiently resolved.

In issuing this decree, I am guided by the Church's mission to care for the spiritual welfare of all entrusted to my care, particularly those who face fear or hardship. I entrust this diocese to the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, and invoke God's blessing upon all the faithful.

Image: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1127630299407782&set=pcb.1127630729407739