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This Sunday provides an opportunity for each of us to think more deeply about the imperative, 'Welcoming People on the Move', and what role we may be able to play in the lives of people who have had to leave the place of their birth.
"In order to ensure the proper care of our common home, we must become a “we” that is ever
wider and more co-responsible, in the profound conviction that whatever good is done in our
world is done for present and future generations. Ours must be a personal and collective commitment that cares for all our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer, even as we work towards a more sustainable, balanced and inclusive development. A commitment that makes no distinction between natives and foreigners, between residents and guests, since it is a matter of a treasure we hold in common, from whose care and benefits no one should be excluded."
(Pope Francis – Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2021)
"In our day, the Church is called to go out into the streets of every existential periphery in order to heal wounds and to seek out the straying, without prejudice or fear, without proselytizing, but ready to widen her tent to embrace everyone. Among those dwelling in those existential peripheries, we find many migrants and refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking, to whom the Lord wants his love to be manifested and his salvation preached." (Pope Francis – Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2021)
Impelled by our charism and mission as Sacred Heart educators to vivify hope in this, our wounded world, we are called to be in solidarity with “people on the move.” That is, to be close to their reality and to offer them hospitable spaces where they can be accompanied, listened to, and equipped with the information and skills that will enable them to live more peaceful, productive lives. We are likewise challenged to discover and appreciate the gifts and richness that they bring to our cultures, and the contributions that they make to our societies and nations. (Artisans of Hope p.20)
As international apostolic community we are called to be sensitive to the hopes and sufferings
of migrant peoples. Our charism urges us to open our hearts to them, to welcome them,
to be in solidarity with them, helping to bring the peoples of the world together.
(General Chapter, 1988)
Contemplating Jesus, we learn from His attitudes and responses how,
in all our relationships, to witness to the liberating power of His love.
In faith and simplicity we meet the other as a unique person,
having respect and affection for each, and a humility which enables us to be receptive.
Always, we are filled with hope in our encounters, sure of God’s power at work in us all.
(Const. n.15)
“Joining in public discussions on the subject of foreigners, especially refugees, is a way of contributing to the education of the press and of forming public opinion. By exerting pressure against bills that make scapegoats of migrants, you increase the politicians’ power of discernment. By speaking to Christians, especially those whose conversation about migrants is full of political prejudice, you try to make them grow in their faith.”
(Cornelia Buhrle RSCJ)
Prayer for Migrants and Refugees
God of love and compassion: may we always recognize your spirit:
• in the refugee family, seeking safety from violence;
• in the migrant worker, bringing food to our tables;
• in the asylum-seekers, seeking justice for their families;
• in the unaccompanied child, traveling in a dangerous world.
Give us hearts that break open whenever our brothers and sisters turn to us.
Give us hearts that no longer turn deaf to their voices in times of need;
Give us eyes to recognize a moment for grace instead of a threat.
Give us voices that fail to remain silent but which decide instead to advocate prophetically.
Give us hands that reach out in welcome, but also in work, for a world of justice
until all homelands are safe and secure.
Bless us, O Lord...
- Fr. Dan Hartnett S.J.
-Charism and Mission Committee of ANZ