Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino said that parishioners with a “genuine fear of immigration enforcement actions” are exempt from Mass obligations “until such time as this decree is revoked or amended.” Catholic bishops have previously issued exemptions during natural disasters or massive societal events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Diocese of Sen Bernardino includes roughly 1.6 million Catholics in San Bernardino and Riverside counties in Southern California. Reverend Alberto Rojas, Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino Ordaining Prelate and Principal Celebrant, leads the Ordination to the Priesthood mass at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Chino Hills on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Will Lester | Medianews Group | Getty Images
A Catholic bishop in California has issued a rare decree allowing parishioners to miss Mass due to fears of