2015-01-17 13:13:00

World Day underlines plight of migrants, refugees


(Vatican Radio) Sunday marks the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Dioceses and church groups around the world are holding prayer services and events to underline the plight of migrants and refugees and to call for a more just treatment of these vulnerable populations.

Listen to the report by Laura Ieraci:

“Church without frontiers, Mother to all” is the theme of this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, underlining the Church’s unconditional acceptance of all people and offering three directions for dealing with the current vast migration worldwide.

In his message, Pope Francis notes that migration often “gives rise to suspicion and hostility, even in ecclesial communities,” which is in “conflict with the biblical commandment of welcoming with respect and solidarity the stranger in need.”

Fr Matthew Gardinksi is responsible for the migrant sector at the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People.

“The Holy Father calls to mind three directions,” he said. “First, he recommends a Catholic or a Christian has to have the capability of sharing what he has with those who are less fortunate. On the second level, the Holy Father within his message speaks of creating a network of cooperation, not only at a regional level or a local level, but on a national or international level, also within church communities from the country of origin and the country of destination.

“And a third thing, the intensification of creating conditions in which migration is not the only option that people who are experiencing difficult moments or difficult situations within their country can have,” he said.

The World Day of Migrants and Refugees is celebrated each year on the first Sunday after the Baptism of Christ.








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