This week we observe National Migration Week in solidarity with the Holy Father’s World Day for Migrants and Refugees. Pope Francis chose the theme of “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” for this year’s WDMR. In his annual message, the Holy Father underscores that no one can be excluded from the work of construction that leads to God’s Kingdom. “God’s plan,” he says, “is essentially inclusive and gives priority to those living on the existential peripheries. Among them are many migrants and refugees, displaced persons, and victims of trafficking.”
Welcoming the stranger lies at the very heart of the gospel message. Jesus says in the gospel of Matthew, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me...(Mt. 25:35).” Each year, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Migration Week, an opportunity to reflect on the challenging circumstances confronting people on the move, including migrants, immigrants, refugees, asylees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking.
We continue to see the tragedies affecting our brothers and sisters across our borders. True immigration reform will only happen when all people come together and engage in fruitful conversations that bring into focus the common good of citizens and migrants.
In cultivating the Christian virtue of welcoming immigrants, we also know that the Church teaches that a sovereign country has a right to protect its borders, providing its citizens the ability to enjoy religious freedom and opportunities to provide for themselves and their families. It is precisely for this reason that the Church calls for substantive and respectful immigration reform that follows the just laws of countries and the command of our Lord to welcome the stranger.
May we join Pope Francis in prayer that we, “share in building a future that embraces God’s plan…”
For more information on the issue of immigration, please visit the website of Justice for Immigrants.