U.S. bishops: We stand with immigrants, refugees

By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic

WASHINGTON | Globally, there are more than 70 million people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to political instability, violence, and economic hardship. Pope Francis has challenged people to move from a culture of “indifference” to a culture of solidarity, which will help them to embrace the poor and marginalized, and those struggling to find a better life.

For nearly a half-century, National Migration Week has been observed in the United States to highlight the situation of immigrants and refugees and unite in prayer to accompany them. The theme for this year’s observance (January 5-11) is “Promoting a Church and a World for All,” and reflects the Church as a welcoming place for all God’s children.

“As a founding principle of our country, we have always welcomed immigrant and refugee populations, and through the social services and good works of the Church, we have accompanied our brothers and sisters in integrating to daily American life,” said Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration. “National Migration Week is an opportunity for the Church to prayerfully unite and live out the Holy Father’s vision to welcome immigrants and refugees into our communities and to provide opportunities that will help them and all people of good will to thrive.”

Educational materials and other resources for National Migration Week are available on the Justice for Immigrants website.

In Miami, Archbishop Thomas Wenski will celebrate the annual Migration Mass, attended by representatives of all the different ethnic and language groups in the archdiocese, this Sunday, Jan. 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, 7525 N.W. Second Ave., Miami. All are welcome to attend.