Many Journeys, One Family
For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the U.S. has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2017, “Many Journeys, One Family,” draws attention to the fact that each of our families have a migration story, some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another.
Unfortunately, in our contemporary culture we often fail to encounter migrants as persons, and instead look at them as unknown others, if we even notice them at all. During this National Migration Week, let us all take the opportunity to engage migrants in a meaningful way as community members, neighbors, and friends.
Discover how our sisters are welcoming migrants as brothers and sisters through their ministries in New York and Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: “The Flight into Egypt” by an anonymous follower of Joachim Patinir; National Gallery of Art
LOVING FATHER,
remembering that the Holy Family fled violence and lived for a time as refugees,
we ask that you protect all refugee families fleeing persecution,
and provide them a place of safety and comfort.
For children who are making perilous journeys,
often alone and without the protection of loved ones,
we ask that you reunite them with their families
and protect them from violence on the journey.
For all migrants,
that they not feel compelled to migrate
but have opportunities in their homeland
where they can thrive and live fully human lives.
Open our hearts so that we may provide hospitality
for those who come in search of refuge.
through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
More information and a downloadable prayer card available at usccb.org.
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