“May they find a loving and welcoming people in our country, and may our kindness and care make us worthy of the refuge we all find in the Lord.”—Bishop Deeley

PORTLAND---From January 5-11, the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates National Migration Week.

The theme for this year's celebration is "Promoting a Church and a World for All," which reflects the need for Catholics to be welcoming to all its brothers and sisters. It is a call for unity in solidarity with and in care for those who are excluded and marginalized.
"The presence of migrants and refugees – and of vulnerable people in general – is an invitation to recover some of those essential dimensions of our Christian existence and our humanity that risk being overlooked in a prosperous society. That is why it is not just about migrants,"  stated Pope Francis, during his message for the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. "When we show concern for them, we also show concern for ourselves, for everyone; in taking care of them, we all grow; in listening to them, we also give voice to a part of ourselves that we may keep hidden because it is not well regarded nowadays."

“Please join me in asking God to protect all refugees and migrants in their travels. May they find a loving and welcoming people in our country, and may our kindness and care make us worthy of the refuge we all find in the Lord,” said Bishop Robert P. Deeley. “As it has for the past 40 years and in keeping with Catholic social teaching, the Diocese of Portland stands behind the Refugee & Immigration Services program of Catholic Charities Maine, which helps individuals and families who flee from violence and come to America seeking compassion, care, stability, and peace. The work of the program is inspiring and courageous and truly defines the greatness of our nation and the answer to our baptismal call to serve the most vulnerable among us, regardless of whether they are born in America or are new arrivals.”

Catholics are called to be active in support of all of God's children. It is with this ideal in mind that we seek a Church that welcomes, protects, promotes, and integrates all, including immigrants and refugees. There are currently more than 70 million people around the world who have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to political instability, violence, or other reasons. 

There are several ways to commemorate National Migration Week here in Maine. Suggestions include inquiring at Catholic Charities Maine about volunteer opportunities, like teaching English to newcomers; hosting a potluck dinner with newcomers in your community; joining in cultural celebrations hosted by parishes; using social media to help educate family members and friends about the importance of supporting members of the refugee / immigrant community; praying that God will inspire all Christians to support and protect migrants and to advocate on their behalf; and praying for all refugees who are forced to flee from their homes, that God bring peace to them, their families, and their country of origin.

The Diocese of Portland is providing several resources for commemorating National Migration Week. To view the resources, scroll to the bottom of the special web section dedicated to the week on the diocesan website: www.portlanddiocese.org/national-migration-week.