What is the World Day for Migrants and Refugees?
Since 1914, the Church has been recognizing the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) by praying for the many people who cannot return to their homelands. On this day, Pope Francis has sought to bring awareness to the several challenges that migrants and refugees face, as well as promote unity amongst all people.
Jesus taught us: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Mt 25:35-36). These words are a constant reminder to see the migrant not simply as a brother or sister in difficulty, but Christ himself, who knocks at our door. Because of this, we are called to show respect for the dignity of migrants by accompanying and protecting them.
Catholics in the Greater Toronto Area have a long tradition of helping migrants and refugees. The first bishop of Toronto, Bishop Michael Power, cared for the sick Irish refugees who fled the Potato Famine and in 1847 he sadly died of Typhus as a result of his ministry to the sick. More recently, in 2015, through “Project Hope,” the faithful of the Archdiocese of Toronto raised $3.7 million to bring more than 100 families to Canada who were fleeing war and famine in the Middle East.
Pope Francis tells us that “The synodal path that we have undertaken as a Church leads us to see in those who are most vulnerable – among whom are many migrants and refugees – special companions on our way, to be loved and cared for as brothers and sisters. Only by walking together will we be able to go far and reach the common goal of our journey” (Pope Francis 2023).