Father Scott Santarosa, SJ, is the pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Diego, just a few miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. Founded in 1921 as the Mexican national parish of San Diego – meaning it could offer pastoral care to any Catholic in the city born in Mexico – the community has a long history of welcoming immigrants to the United States and their descendants. Under Fr. Scott’s leadership, the parish has entered a new era of standing in solidarity with immigrants near the border – from organizing pro-migrant processions to starting a migrant shelter than operated for about a year and a half to, most recently, accompanying individuals facing the threat of deportation to immigration court.

During the first of these visits to immigration court this past June, San Diego’s Bishop Michael Pham was one of the clergy members who attended, which led to national news coverage. (Bishop Pham, a refugee from Vietnam himself who grew up in San Diego, was the first U.S. bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV. After the event, he suggested Fr. Scott might spearhead a new effort to keep the initiative going; plans are in the works for subsequent visits.)

On July 11, host Mike Jordan Laskey visited Fr. Scott at the Jesuit community house in San Diego for this conversation. They discussed the challenges parishioners are facing right now, and how the parish has responded to various immigration-related issues. Fr. Scott also shared a bit about why he feels called to this ministry, and why the Catholic Church must continue to support immigrants even when it’s politically unpopular or even dangerous. Because so much of the news coverage around immigration is impersonal and faceless, we think you’ll appreciate hearing Fr. Scott’s unique perspective from his vibrant and historic parish.

National Catholic Reporter article on Fr. Scott and other faith leaders accompanying migrants to immigration court: https://www.ncronline.org/news/san-diego-faith-leaders-say-their-presence-made-difference-deportation-hearings

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church: https://www.olgsd.org/