World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Justice and Peace Issues

Sunday September 27 marks the 112th observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Pope Leo XIV invites the Church and wider society to turn our attention to the children and adolescents directly affected by migration and displacement. The chosen theme: “Even Just One of These Children” recalls the words of Jesus: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (Mk 9:37), placing at the center the dignity of every child and our responsibility to protect, welcome and accompany them. When this theme was announced, the Vatican noted, “With this choice, the Holy Father intends to express the Church’s concern for minors directly involved in migration, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them as the Gospel teaches us.” This theme challenges each of us to reflect more closely on the often-dire situations that drive children to migrate, often alone, in search of a safe haven. What can we do to ensure that child migrants are not exploited but receive the care that they deserve? What steps can we take in our local community to welcome migrants and help them become more fully integrated in their new home?

Pope Leo’s message also offers a perspective of hope. He recalls the many individuals, families, ecclesial communities, educators, volunteers and workers who choose each day not to look the other way, welcoming, accompanying and caring for the visible and invisible wounds of migrant children. Their presence bears witness that love can overcome indifference. The Pope’s message invites us to move from statistics to faces, from phenomena to people, from assistance to encounter. You can read Pope Leo’s complete message at this link.

LOCAL CONNECTIONIn an article in this week’s Boston Pilot Bishop Cristiano Barbosa himself an immigrant from Brazil, puts a local face on this year’s theme.Bishop Barbosa is secretary for evangelization and discipleship and regional bishop of the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Boston

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