The nation’s 33 Hispanic Roman Catholic Bishops have written a “letter to immigrants” stating that illegal immigrants deserve thanks from Americans and call for “denunciation of the forces which oppress them.”

In their letter, the bishops once again state their support for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants before. But this time they use stronger language and go further in offering support to undocumented immigrants.

The letter was released by San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller and Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, the highest ranking Mexican-Americans in the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops.

They released the letter on the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico and the Continental Americas. On December 12 many immigrants from Latin America return to churches to reconnect with their heritage.

“This letter is pastoral in nature and is not about politics or programs,” Garcia-Siller said. “It is my desire to offer comfort, kindness, and compassion to all immigrants who are suffering, especially at this time of year.”

The letter pledges to “continue to advocate on behalf of global economic justice, so our brothers and sisters can find employment opportunities in their countries of origin that offer a living wage, and allow them to live with dignity.”

Garcia-Siller said he also wants to “assure immigrants of the solidarity and support of the Hispanic Bishops in the United States, and pledges to continue the advocacy of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for ‘just reform’ of U.S. immigration policy.”

He said the Bishops’ demand is not for ‘open borders’ and he supports border security.