On Sunday, October 5, the Catholic Church celebrates the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This year, the theme for this important occasion is “Migrants, missionaries of hope.” According to the United Nations’ Refugee Agency, as of the end of 2024, 123.2 million people have been forced to flee their homes worldwide.
Migrants and refugees are our brothers and sisters that have left their country in search of a better life. As followers of Jesus, we are called to recognize and value the contributions that migrants and refugees make toward building the future. In his message English / Spanish for this celebration, Pope Leo says: “[The presence of migrants and refugees], then, should be recognized and appreciated as a true divine blessing, an opportunity to open oneself to the grace of God, who gives new energy and hope to his Church: ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it’ (Heb 13:2).”
Image: Karl-SchembriOxfam
