During National Migration Week, bishops advocate for unity with immigrants, addressing their feelings of apprehension and worry.
The United States Catholic Church is observing its 45th annual National Migration Week from September 22-28, 2022. This week-long observance provides an opportunity for reflection, appreciation, and action towards migrants and refugees.
The theme for this year, "Migrants, missionaries of hope," was chosen by Pope Francis, echoing the Jubilee message of hope and emphasising the courage and resilience of those who migrate. This theme links to the Catholic social teaching on immigration, which seeks to balance the right of persons to migrate, a country's right to regulate its borders, and a nation's duty to regulate its borders with justice and mercy.
Pope Leo XIV has continued to emphasise the dignity of migrants, stating they are messengers of hope despite the world's hardships. In line with this, the U.S. bishops have reiterated their longstanding efforts to show solidarity with immigrants amid "fear and anxiety" prompted by current immigration enforcement efforts.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has provided a comprehensive toolkit for National Migration Week, helping communities prepare spiritually and pastorally. This year's toolkit is available on the Justice for Immigrants website.
Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, and organisations are encouraged to mark National Migration Week with prayer services, educational programs, community outreach, and support for migration-related ministries. The week typically culminates in the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on the last Sunday in September. However, this year, the universal church will mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on October 4-5, 2022, to coincide with the Jubilee of Migrants.
In a statement issued on September 18, 2022, the USCCB expressed solidarity with immigrants, calling for a more humane system of immigration. The bishops have also encouraged bipartisan collaboration among policymakers to press for a more humane immigration system.
National Migration Week invites Catholics to reflect on how hope can shape their response to migration. By reflecting on the history of the U.S. Catholic Church as an immigrant Church, appreciating the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, and expressing solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy, Catholics can make a difference in the lives of migrants and refugees.
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