The World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed on September 29, 2024. A day dedicated to raising awareness of the struggles faced by displaced individuals and to encourage solidarity, compassion, and action from the global community, it also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Christian responsibility to care for and support those who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or economic hardship.
In his message for World Migrant and Refugee Day 2024, Pope Francis draws a powerful parallel between the Church’s synodal journey and the experiences of modern migrants. He likens their journeys to the biblical Exodus, emphasizing that both involve fleeing hardship and seeking a promised land. The Pope underscores that God accompanies all His children, particularly the marginalized and displaced, offering them guidance and comfort. He calls on the faithful to recognize Christ in every migrant and refugee, urging them to respond with compassion and support. The Pope highlights that each encounter with a person in need is an opportunity to meet the Lord, as reflected in the teachings of Matthew 25. He concludes by urging prayers and solidarity with those who have been forced to leave their homes and entrusting their journey, along with the upcoming Synod Assembly, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a symbol of hope and consolation for all the faithful.
Each year, the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) also releases a Migrant and Refugee Sunday Kit to aid Parishes, Dioceses, and other Catholic Organisations in observing this date. The 2024 Kit will be released in the coming weeks, available online. The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has also made resources available in a variety of languages.