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On September 29, the Church celebrates the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year, Pope Francis chose the theme “It is not just about migrants.”
During his message for the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis explains that “the presence of migrants and refugees—and of vulnerable people in general—is an invitation to recover some of those essential dimensions of our Christian existence and our humanity.” That is why the pontiff declares that when we show concern for these brothers and sisters, we are actually showing concern for ourselves, because “we also give voice to a part of ourselves that we may keep hidden because it is not well regarded nowadays.”
If “it is not just about migrants,” what is it about? Pope Francis indicates that it is also about
- Our fears
- Charity
- Our humanity
- Seeing that no one is excluded
- Putting the last in first place
- The whole person, about all people
- Building the city of God and man
Finally, Pope Francis summarizes our response to the challenge presented by modern-day migration in four verbs: welcome, protect, promote, and integrate.
Let us pray: Loving Father, give us the strength we need to overcome our fears and to seek justice in our communities. May we learn to see Jesus in our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Image credit: Alessia GIULIANI/CPP/CIRIC
What a beautiful article!