P R A Y I N G W I T H T H E C H U R C H
|
INTENTION : |
That those who, because of wars or oppressive regimes, are forced to leave their homes and country may be supported by Christians in the defence and protection of their rights.
|
By looking at the Holy Family we can reflect on the condition of the migrant family. From Pope Pius XII's comment thus in 1952: "The family of Nazareth in exile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, emigrants and taking refuge in Egypt to escape the fury of an evil king, are the model, the example and the support of all emigrants and pilgrims of every age and every country, of all refugees of any condition who, compelled by persecution and need, are forced to abandon their homeland, beloved relatives, neighbours, and dear friends, and move to a foreign land" we can understand the difficulties that every migrant goes through daily in hardship, humiliation, deprivation, loss of dignity and fragility brought about by emigration.
Through its institutions, the Church exerts every effort to render support, help them integrate in the cities that receive them and put them in contact with families that are willing to offer them hospitality. Much still remains to be done to provide for legislative, juridical and social intervention to facilitate the integration of migrants into their new social context.
On the occasion of the coming World Day of Migrants and Refugees it becomes necessary to build awareness in our ecclesial communities and mobilize public opinion regarding their needs and problems.
|
|
