The issues that swirl about immigration reform are political, social, economic, and for some, spiritual.

Around 1,000 people showed up for a rally and prayer service in May 2008 at the Holy Family Parish church, near the University of Illinois-Chicago campus, to address immigration reform in a spiritual way.

A short, buoyant march gave way to an emotional, heartfelt prayer service. There were songs, prayers, sermons and testimonies. One woman walked from the back of the giant church to the altar – on her knees.

Many people there had experienced the pain of detention and deportation first-hand. They brought pictures of deported loved ones and shared the stories of their loss.

At the end of the prayer service, a statement from Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, was read to the congregation. In the statement, he declared full support for immigrants and decried the way they are treated in today’s society.

“Movements like this are important,” said Elena Segura, director of the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform, ”because they create consciousness where there isn’t one.”

Click on the audio slideshow above to get a feel for the movement.

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