杏MAP导航

By Linda Bordoni

鈥淚t is not just about migrants".

That鈥檚 the theme for this year鈥檚 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, to be celebrated on Sunday, 29 September 2019.  

The theme was announced on Sunday by the Migrants and Refugees Section of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

As Fr. Michael Czerny SJ, Under-Secretary of the Section, which is headed by 杏MAP导航 Francis himself, explained, with this  theme,  杏MAP导航  Francis  wants  to  highlight  that  his  frequent  appeals  for migrants, refugees, displaced and trafficked people should be understood as integral to  his  deep  concern  for  all  the  inhabitants  of  today鈥檚  existential  peripheries.

Fr Czerny explained that observing the Day and the 杏MAP导航鈥檚 message aim to help us realize how deeply we are all involved, 鈥渁s Christian communities and societies, and that we are all called to respond and to reflect how our faith life and commitments are engaged in responding to vulnerable people on the move鈥�.

Seeing the face of Jesus in migrants and vulnerable people

Fr Czerny said that when the 杏MAP导航 reminds us, repeatedly, of what Jesus himself was saying with the words 鈥榳hen I was a stranger you welcomed me鈥�, this is a very direct application of Our Lord鈥檚 words鈥�, and that indeed, 鈥渨hen people are knocking at our door because they are seeking protection, shelter and a better future, we are welcoming Him: It鈥檚 very simple and very radical鈥�.  

Communication campaign

Fr Czerny also said that in  order  to  foster  a  fuller  and  richer  celebration  of  the  day,  the  Migrants  and Refugees  Section  of  the  Department  for  Promoting  Integral  Human  Development will be launching  a  communication  campaign, during which it will be working with Bishops鈥� Conferences, Migration Commissions, Catholic organizations involved with migrants and refugees in preparing for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 29 September.

鈥淪o, he concluded, we invite everyone to join us on social media, in reflection on biblical passages and on the teachings of the Holy Father鈥檚 and on other resources that will help us to celebrate this day with joy and with understanding鈥�.