WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Vatican’s World Day for Migrants and Refugees will be held Sept. 29. The theme for this year is “It is not just about migrants.”
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, wrote recently on the celebration.
“This year’s theme for the World Day for Migrants and Refugees is an opportunity to look at the migration issue from the lens of humanity, of caring for and walking with our brothers and sisters,” Bishop Vásquez noted.
The day “reminds us that it is not about where people come from but their unique God-given human dignity. It reflects our call as people of faith to welcome our brothers and sisters, promote their well-being, protect them from cruelty and human indifference, and assist in their integration into our community.”
“Support for migrants and refugees is particularly vital in this moment,” he added, “as the world is in the midst of the greatest global forced displacement crisis on record. We must continue to embrace love for our neighbor to counter the growing throwaway culture which disregards the human dignity of migrants and refugees.”
Educational resources related to the event can be found by visiting the Justice for Immigrants website.
