The Bishop of the St. Petersburg Diocese is calling the Catholic faithful to action on the border crisis.  

Bishop Robert Lynch posted a blog appealing to local Catholics to open their hearts and homes to undocumented children detained at the border.

In the blog titled “Shame Shame,” Bishop Lynch heaps condemnation on “those who kill and torture” families in their home countries—mostly Guatemala and Honduras.

The Bishop also points the finger of blame at those in this country who ignore the suffering of the unaccompanied kids at the border.

“If those kids need our help,” wrote Bishop Lynch, “I am ready to ask everyone in this diocese who possibly can to help me give them a temporary home which will be safe, secure and free of shame.”

Bishop Lynch is asking Catholic Charities to use their established network of shelters and foster families in the Bay area to take the undocumented kids in.

Mark Dufva, the Executive Director of Catholic Charities says they can’t do that without federal and state approval, but he anticipates that will happen in the near future.  They are preparing for the kids detained at crowded border facilities to come here.  

“I understand that people are going to be angry about that, but honestly it's about the dignity of the human person, first and foremost” said Dufva. “Then whatever happens politically or whatever should be the best for result for these children and families, that's in God's hands."

In his blog, the Bishop writes that the faithful must not stand idle, but must work to keep the children safe until they can be reunited with family.

“Their parents want them back,” wrote Bishop Lynch. “But until then, will be willing to be the hands of a compassionate and loving Lord?”