This week in Agua Prieta, Sonora, MX, in Douglas, AZ, US, and worldwide, migrants and migrant-solidarity communities have joined together to remember “Migrants, missionaries of hope” (“Peregrinos de Esperanza” in Spanish) and to celebrate with the Roman Catholic Church the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Pope Leo XIV, that church’s leader, has said, “in a world darkened by war and injustice, even when all seems lost, migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope.”
A migrant advocate here in Arizona said “people who migrate,” who risk everything to find a better place – even if they do not make it – “are true heroes.” They are the ones who had the courage to leave and head for the unknown. Indeed, their courage, tenacity, and resilience are a constant witness to their hope for a future of peace and respect and dignity.
Just imagine if every country welcomed migrating people as messengers of hope. What if they were welcomed and put to work rather being incarcerated? What if the tenacity and resilience of construction workers and farm laborers and health care workers and custodial workers was recognized as a witness to a better future? What if migrants and refugees were treated with respect and offered dignity? What if everyone imitated the example of courage and risk-taking that migrants offer?
May we all remember the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, accompany migrants on their journey, affirm the witness of hope that migrants offer, sacrifice and take risks to help others, work for a better future.
God of love and mercy,
You who know the heart of every person
and who walks with those who suffer and seek refuge.
Today we bring before you the millions of brothers and sisters
who have been uprooted from their homes,
victims of violence, persecution, and injustice.
Open our eyes to see their suffering,
our ears to hear their cry,
and our hearts to welcome them with love.
Inspire us to be instruments of your peace and comfort,
to build a more just and fraternal society,
where no one is a stranger and all find a home.
From Prayer Guide for the Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees by Renan Bersola.
