March 11, 2015 By Deacon Kevin Mastellon Watertown -- Bishop Terry R. LaValley turned to the Watertown New York Italian community to promote peaceful coexistence and a non-judgmental approach to immigration in a speech February 25 at the Italian American Civic Association. "You have much to teach our communities, our country indeed our world when it comes to integrating people from one culture to another while allowing it to maintain its proud heritage," the bishop told the audience. "In some parts of our world today," the bishop continued, "we have more than roadblocks but the outright heinous murdering of innocent people by ruthless savages who refuse to allow any integration of peoples whose faith is different from their own manufactured so-called religions.. And closer to home," he continued, "the whole current question of immigrant status relates to tolerance on another level." Bishop LaValley was invited by the Association to speak at one of the events marking the IACA's 75th anniversary in the Watertown community. The Association's club rooms are located only a few hundred feet from St. Anthony's Church in Watertown, a parish which boasts its strong Italian heritage and membership.
“What a gift,: he said. “It almost makes your Bishop an Italian wanna-be." Bishop LaValley also spoke of the importance of civic organizations and lamented the trend away from associations dedicated to community involvement. Photo by Kevin Mastellon |
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"Your strong Catholic faith," Bishop LaValley said, "which is an identifying feature of your proud Italian heritage is witnessed through hard work and support of your faith family; strengthening families, supporting your community, celebrating your faith and embracing your Italian heritage. 