World Day for Migrants and Refugees

This used to celebrated in January, but Pope Francis - in 2018, decided it would be moved to the last Sunday in September!

We should never forget that Jesus, Mary and Joseph were refugees fleeing from the slaughter of the innocents which Herod wrought down on the people of Bethlehem.

The Holy Father reminds us that during the flight into Egypt, the child Jesus experienced with his parents the tragic fate of the displaced and refugees, “which is marked by fear, uncertainty and unease."

Displaced people offer us this opportunity to meet the Lord, “even though our eyes find it hard to recognize him: his clothing in tatters, his feet dirty, his face disfigured, his body wounded, his tongue unable to speak our language”.

Pope Francis calls us to respond by welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating.

Here is part of the Holy Father's Message for this day in 2020 (3:43):

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus - hope of the hopeless,

we hold before you today all who have left their homes, desperate for safety and the chance of a better life.

Help us rid our minds of the suspicion, fears and prejudices that keep us apart from those who seek refuge.

You, who knows what it is to leave your homeland, give us a greater understanding and move us to respond with wisdom, love and generosity.

We ask this in your Holy Name. AMEN