Gala Raises Support for Archdiocese Immigration Ministry

November 2, 2026

Fr. Scott emceed the 14th annual Keep Hope Alive Gala at St. Ignatius College Prep this October.

Hosted by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the annual event supports Pastoral Migratoria, a local and national immigrant-led ministry of service and accompaniment, and recognizes community leaders who have responded to the needs of immigrant communities. This year’s theme was “Walking together in hope.”

Pastoral Migratoria invites immigrants to respond to their baptismal call to be engaged in service and justice actions in their parish communities and trains immigrants to become leaders and “missionaries of hope” in their communities.

“What began here in Chicago now serves parish communities and other dioceses across the nation,” Cardinal Cupich said in his remarks. “They extend this ministry to thousands of families.”

Since its founding in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2008, Pastoral Migratoria has expanded and now also operates in the dioceses of New York, New Jersey, California, and Maryland.

“Each one of these efforts accompany and give a message to families who feel isolated or forgotten,” Cardinal Cupich said. “We want to say to immigrants, ‘We see you. We value your dignity. We walk with you. You are not alone.’ That is what Christ did. And that is what the church is called to do in our day.”

In his own remarks, Fr. Scott, who served as emcee for the evening, praised the ministry and echoed the theme of accompaniment.

“The word companion comes from the Latin, which means one who breaks the bread or shares the bread with another,” Fr. Scott said.

“To accompany another person is at the heart of what we do. Sharing bread. Sharing conversation. Being together. To make room at the table. To recognize another’s humanity. To build a relationship from presence rather than through mere assistance, though assistance is so terribly important as well.”

Fr. Scott led a prayer that explored the theme in the biblical context.

“In the Gospel, we see Jesus. He accompanies people, not just through words, but through presence, through conversation, and through sharing a meal,” Fr. Scott said.

“You walk alongside those who are struggling. Those who were sick, those who are alone. Those who were pushed to the margins and those who were considered strangers. Help us to do the same to and for one another.”

Several community leaders were recognized for their work in advancing the mission in the Chicago Archdiocese and beyond, including Maria Vidal, PhD, a social work professor at Loyola University and Director for the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Accompaniment. Cardinal Cupich presented Vidal with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The Pastoral Migratoria embodies, a powerful model of vibrant migrant ministry,” Vidal said. “Welcoming, accompanying, and integrating immigrant sisters and brothers into the life of the church and the broader community.

Vidal recounted her own family’s experience following their immigration from Cuba during that country’s 1959 revolution. She said the Church’s support, as her family navigated uncertainty and rebuilt their lives, helped shape her understanding of what accompaniment means.

Vidal praised the organization’s commitment to forming pastoral agents for service, justice, and systemic change that “reflects the call of Catholic social teaching to see, judge and act, to listen deeply, accompany faithfully, and proclaim the dignity of every person through social and pastoral engagement.”

Mercy Home Board of Regents and Immigration Ministry Advisory Board member Rich Daniels led the paddle raise with help from Advisory Board Chair Hillary Ebach.

The Cardinal thanked guests for supporting the ministry.

“Your generosity helps to form new leaders, strengthens families, promotes healing, and ensures that immigrant communities experience the care and the accompaniment they deserve. Together, we can continue building a church and a society where every person is welcome. Every family is supported, and no one walks alone.”

Thanks to all who attended including coworkers from Mercy Home. And special thanks to Board of Regents member and St. Ignatius President John Chandler for hosting the event at the school’s Tully Hall.

Since May 2005, the Archdiocese of Chicago, its bishops, priests and religious congregations have given voice to immigrants through the Justice for Immigrants Campaign. The Campaign was established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to educate Catholics and the public about the need for comprehensive immigration reform and to influence legislation for a permanent and fair solution to U.S. immigration issues.