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National Migration Week & World Day of Migrants and Refugees
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“The courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees, who bear witness daily to hope for the future despite difficulties.”
- Pope Leo XIV -
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National Migration WeekSeptember 22-28For over 40 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week (NMW), which has traditionally culminated with the Holy See's World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), a day commemorated by the Universal Church since 1914. Pope Francis chose “Migrants, missionaries of hope" for this year's theme.
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Jubilee of Migrants and
World Day of Migrants and RefugeesOctober 4-5This day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, celebrate their contributions to society, and foster solidarity and compassion.
This day is normally celebrated on the last Sunday of September, however it was moved this year to coincide together with the Jubilee of Migrants.
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“In the light of the Jubilee, the theme highlights the courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees, who bear witness to hope for the future despite difficulties. It is the hope of happiness beyond borders that leads them to entrust themselves totally to God."- Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
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Resources
- Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform
- Justice for Immigrants
- Migration and Catholic Social Teaching
- Pilgrims on the Way of Hope: A Resource for the Jubilee of Migrants
- Prayer Service in Solidarity with Dreamers and Migrants
- Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope
- Vigil for Migrants Toolkit from the USCCB
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Prayers
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Prayer to St. Frances Xavier Cabrinipatron saint of immigrantsSt. Frances Xavier Cabrini, in the name of Christ you ministered to those most in need: the orphan, the immigrant, the sick, the poor, the imprisoned. You saw Christ in them; and they met Christ in you. Pray for us, that we may have eyes and hearts to see and respond to the needs of our own time. Pray for us, that we may welcome the stranger as you did, with compassion and generosity. Amen.
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Prayer to St. Josephine Bakhitapatron saint for Victims of human trafficking and modern day slaverySt. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child and endured untold hardship and suffering. Once liberated from your physical enslavement, you found true redemption in your encounter with Christ and his Church. O St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a state of slavery; Intercede with God on their behalf so that they will be released from their chains of captivity. Those whom man enslaves, let God set free. Provide comfort to survivors of slavery and let them look to you as an example of hope and faith. Help all survivors find healing from their wounds. We ask for your prayers and intercessions for those enslaved among us. Amen.
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Prayer to St. John Baptist Scalabrinipatron saint of migrants, refugees, and displaced persons
O Saint John Baptist Scalabrini, with the heart of a bishop and the zeal of an apostle you gave yourself completely to all. You listened to the cries of migrants, spoke in their name, defended their rights. You found sustenance in the Eucharist solace in the cross of Jesus, comfort in Mary, Mother of the Church. Through your intercession may God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit grant peace to all humanity, protect those who cross seas and borders sustained by hope, bless us and our loved ones and grant us the grace that we entrust to your fatherly love. Amen
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Prayer for Migrant Families
Good and gracious God, we thank you for the gift of families.
We are grateful for all of the joy and love that they bring into our lives, and we ask that you provide special protection for all families, particularly those who face hardships as they move in search of a better life.
Show mercy to those who travel in danger, and lead them to a place of safety and peace.
Comfort those who are alone and afraid because their families have been torn apart by violence and injustice.
As we reflect upon the difficult journey that the Holy Family faced as refugees in Egypt, help us to remember the suffering of all migrant families.
Through the intercession of Mary our Mother, and St. Joseph the Worker, her spouse, we pray that all migrants may be reunited with their loved ones and find the meaningful work they seek.
Open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality for all who come in search of refuge.
Give us the courage to welcome every stranger as Christ in our midst.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen. -
Prayer for Migrant ChildrenLoving Father,
in your infinite compassion, we seek your divine protection for refugee children who are often alone and afraid. Provide solace to those who have been witnesses to violence and destruction, who have lost parents, family, friends, home, and all they cherish due to war or persecution. Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need.
Show mercy to unaccompanied migrant children, too, Lord. Reunite them with their families and loved ones. Guide those children who are strangers in a foreign land to a place of peace and safety. Comfort them in their sorrow, and bring help in their time of need.
Show us how we might reach out to these precious and vulnerable children. Open our hearts to migrant and refugee children in need, so that we might see in them your own migrant Son. Give us courage to stand up in their defense against those who would do them harm.
For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
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Contact Us
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yamilet-munozaustindiocese.orgAssociate Director of Social Justice & Multicultural Engagement
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