ear Parishoners and Visitors,

I am sure that many of us have never heard of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year is the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated this weekend, October 4-5. The first one was celebrated by the Church way back in 1914. It was brought about to address the needs of vulnerable people on the move. Obviously, migration of peoples is not a new phenomenon. The theme of this year’s day of remembrance, set by our late Holy Fater, Pope Francis, is “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope.” The purpose of the day is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migrants and refugees and highlight the positive contributions they make to host communities. Pope Leo XIV pointed out in his message for this day that “the current global context is sadly marked by wars, violence, injustice, and extreme weather events, which force millions of people to leave their homelands in search of refuge elsewhere.”

At this point in history, the reality of migration has become something that is in the forefront of our society. Certainly it has become a hot-button political issue in our time. For the Church, it is first and foremost a moral issue. An issue that is first grounded in the dignity of every human being. I am reminded of the phrase-“there are no strangers; just friends we haven’t yet met.” We need to be open to each person. We need to treat every person with dignity and respect. When the Lord told us to take up our cross and follow Him, He told us that discipleship was not always easy. He let us know that discipleship, at times, would be difficult and that it would take energy and effort. As we seek to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, we take up our cross and follow Him in faith and hope. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, to strengthen us, may we open our eyes to our sisters and brothers, not as strangers, but rather as true members of the one family of God. May we remember the Lord’s command to provide support and care for the most vulnerable among us, including the hungry, the sick, the naked, the imprisoned, and the stranger. The love of Christ knows no limits. May we love our neighbor as we have first been loved by Him.

Prayer for Migrant Families

Good and gracious God, we thank you for the gift of families. We are grateful for all the joy and love they bring into our lives, and we ask that you provide special protection for all fami- lies, particularly those who face hardships as they move in search of a better life.

Show mercy to those who travel in danger and lead them to a place of safety and peace.

Comfort those who are alone and afraid because their fami- lies have been torn apart by violence and injustice.

As we reflect upon the difficult journey that the Holy Family faced as refugees in Egypt, help us to remember the suffering of all migrant families.

Through the intercession of Mary our Mother, and St. Joseph the Worker, her spouse, we pray that all migrants may be reu- nited with their loved ones and find the meaningful work they seek.

Open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality for all who come in search of refuge.

Give us the courage to welcome every stranger as Christ in our midst.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

Amen

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