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 Dear UCYM Community, Today, there is a lot to reflect on. Today is the federal holiday celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King left a legacy that continues to challenge our American society, which, as a reverend himself, was rooted in deep theological overtones. Dr. King challenges us to think of others and to never stop fighting for what matters, which is the dignity of each human person. Quotes from Dr. King like, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and "True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice" call for us to not only look on the surface, but to look outside of ourselves, our immediate circles, our immediate neighborhoods, and anywhere that we belong in order to ensure justice is present everywhere. This is a radical call, but one that without a doubt was tied to his deep faith in Jesus Christ, who also challenges us to think of others and work for justice. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., pray for us. Saint Katharine Drexel, pray for us. Today was the inauguration of our 47th president. We want to pray for our new administration and that human dignity is paramount in all decision making and how decisions are carried out. St. Thomas More, pray for us. UCYM is unsettled by the announcement of ICE raids that will begin in Chicago tomorrow. While there is presumably a goal in mind for doing this that targets members of dangerous groups who have threatened the safety and human dignity of those in our communities, we are fully aware that there may be many violations of human dignity of innocent people as these raids are carried out. We stand in solidarity and defense of our immigrant siblings, especially in prayer. We also want to pray for the local, state, and federal law enforcement who will participate in these raids in varying ways. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us. Today, I joined Interfaith Action of Evanston for their annual Walk for Warmth. This year in particular being as cold as it is sends us a strong reminder as to why collaborating with organizations like Interfaith Action of Evanston is so important. In these days of frigid cold, let us pray and let us do what we are able to in order to assist our siblings who experience homelessness. St. Benedict Joseph Labre, pray for us. We have a lot of work to do. Let us join together in prayer and action as we continue to work for justice for all. Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us. Peace,  Oblate James Holzhauer-Chuckas, ObSB (he/él)
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