Rosary service brings ‘prayerful, peaceful presence’ to Delaney Hall
In response to rising tensions at the Delaney Hall immigrant detention facility in Newark, NJ, the Archdiocese of Newark held a prayer service about half a mile from its entrance. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., attended the May 31 service, which included a bilingual Rosary and a testimony from a family whose loved one has been detained inside the facility for the past two months.
“As we saw the violence escalate at Delaney Hall since Memorial Day, the archdiocese wanted to have a prayerful, peaceful presence there,” said Father Timothy Graff, Secretary of Parish Mission and Vitality for the archdiocese. He was among those participating in the service, along with Immigration Ministry Coordinator Father Alex Gaitan, and Fr. Anthony Palombo.
Representatives from various parish migration teams also attended the service, along with members of Pax Christi, an organization dedicated to promoting peace and justice. Family members of detainees and protestors were also present; many of them joined in the prayer service.
Following Christ’s example
Cardinal Tobin addressed all those gathered “with great humility,” acknowledging those who “give such a clear witness to the dignity of our brothers and sisters and the injustices that are being done to them.”
He encouraged people to “move forward in hope” and to follow the example of Christ.
“The greatness of Jesus is that terrible injustice and violence were done to him, yet he refused to pass it on, saying ‘The injustice will die with me,’” the cardinal said. “That is the example I want to follow, and I hope you do, too, so that we don’t multiply the injustices in our anger and frustration, and, yes, even despair.”
During the Rosary, participants prayed for detainees and their families, for peace, and for those who work at the facility, that they might recognize the humanity of those held there.
“Hold your heads high”
Delaney Hall, a privately-run, 1,000-bed facility, opened in May of 2025. It is the largest immigrant detention facility on the East Coast. Father Gaitan and volunteers from the archdiocesan immigration ministry visit the facility regularly to administer sacraments, lead prayer services, and offer hope to those cut off from their families and the outside world.
In an interview after the service with Radio Jornalera NJ, Cardinal Tobin encouraged detainees and their families to have hope.
“Human dignity is not a concession granted by any government; it is the will of God, who created us according to his own image and nature,” he said. “And for that reason, no government can take away our dignity. Remain strong and hold your heads high, because you are daughters and sons of God, and you do not walk alone.”
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, joined others for a Rosary service at Delaney Hall in Newark, NJ, on May 31. (Photo courtesy Father Anthony Palombo)
