JCIRA (Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates) would like to express its gratitude and appreciation for two recent Leader articles detailing the immigration issues of Father Peter Adoko-Enchill, former priest at St. Mary Star of the Sea.
His story involves and touches many groups: the church congregation, our immigrant neighbors, the Archdiocese in Seattle, and federal immigration authorities. His sudden departure has left a stunned population, now perhaps even more concerned about its own security as they see their beloved church leader required to leave the country, even though he had seemingly complied with U.S. law.
We invite the Port Townsend community to join JCIRA in expressing its solidarity and support of local immigrants by attending the traditional celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico on Dec. 12. There will be a procession starting at 11:30 a.m. from La Isla Restaurant on Water Street to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church uptown. Mariachi musicians will accompany the procession, play at the 1 p.m. Mass and at a 2:30 community potluck dinner at the church.
Turn out and watch from the sidelines, walk in the procession or bring a dish to the potluck. Everyone is welcome – Latinos and “Anglos,” Catholics and non-Catholics, immigrants and non-immigrants. We will join together in celebrating a centuries-old story as well as sharing our hopes for a more just society.
Immigrants who have questions or concerns about their legal status can request low cost legal assistance in Port Townsend by calling 360-616-0479.
Courtney Morales Thrall and Jean Walat
JCIRA Co-Chairs