Catholic humanitarian organizations rushed to collect material help, bishops loudly denounced the separation policy, and groups such as Catholic Extension established a fund to shelter, feed and defend some of the separated immigrant families.

Some of migrant children under age 5 separated from their families by the government were reunited with loved ones July 9 with help from Catholic organizations.

Having made the treacherous trip through the desert landscape and across the border, the lucky migrants find themselves welcomed with food, water and human warmth at a Catholic-run humanitarian center in downtown McAllen.

During a news conference after the second and last day of their visit to the border, the bishops stressed the "urgent" need to do something to help migrant children separated from their families.

The bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States have for weeks expressed outrage and condemned the government's recent practice of separating children from a parent or a family member if they're caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without legal documentation.

The proposal, which had been called a "compromise" bill by Republicans, would have provided some respite to youth brought to the country illegally as minors, as well as some $25 million in funding for part of a wall along the border with Mexico.

The image is the official one the Vatican will use on a tapestry when Blessed Romero is declared a saint Oct. 14.

Roberts, now president of UMW, said these days, the Democratic Party seems to have lost its way when it comes to embracing supporters with a religious identity, including those he grew up with in coal country and whose faith drove them to work to elect those who believed that "all of God's children should have equal opportunity in this society."

None have been more outspoken, however, than the bishops with dioceses on or near the border between the U.S. and Mexico.

For almost 40 days, and some nights, a group of religiously affiliated people have prayed, marched, rallied, faced arrest or been arrested -- all of it to call attention to what they believe is one of the fiercest battles waged by the powerful against the poor.