COMECE First Vice-President H.E. Mgr. Mariano Crociata (Italy) will concelebrate today, Sunday 29 September 2019 at 10h30, the Holy Mass presided by Pope Francis on the occasion of the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR). The theme for this important day of prayer and action is “It is not just about migrants”.
Migrants at the border control. (Credit: UNHCR/Francesco Malavolta)
In the context of globalization of “indifference”, the Holy Father explained in his Message how migrants, refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking have become emblems of exclusion.
“When we show concern for them – stated the Pope – we also show concern for ourselves, for everyone; in taking care of them, we all grow; in listening to them, we also give voice to a part of ourselves that we may keep hidden because it is not well regarded nowadays”.
On this occasion COMECE calls the European Union to design and implement person- and family-centered migration and asylum policies, while developing inclusive social policies that leave none behind.
In its regular dialogue with the EU institutions, COMECE reiterates the importance of approaching the migration challenge considering migrants and refugees as people with names, faces and personal experiences and not as numbers.
The Migrants and Refugees Section of the Holy See is carrying out a communication campaign that includes reflections, materials and photo and video resources for the promotion of pastoral activities on the themes of the WDMR.
The campaign is divided in the following sub-themes: “It’s also about our fears”, “It’s also about charity”, ”It’s also about our humanity”, “It’s about not excluding anyone”, “It’s about putting the last in first place” and “It’s about the whole person and about all people”.