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National Migration Week: God Walks with His People
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September 19, 2024Everyday across the world, people leave their homes in pursuit of safety and freedom from oppression. We see examples of this in the news every day — the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war to name just two. In fact, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency, more than 120 million people were forced to flee their homes in 2023.
To bring attention to this global crisis, the United States recognizes the World Day of Migrants and Refugees and National Migration Week. National Migration Week begins September 23 and ends with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 29.
The Vatican shared their theme for this year, “God Walks with His People,” and Pope Francis has written a message encouraging us to remember those who have been displaced by conflict, persecution, and economic difficulties. As Christians, we are called by Jesus to welcome and care for the stranger amongst us as shared in Matthew 25. We are taught to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our interactions with our brothers and sisters, including migrants and refugees.
Catholic Charities accompanies refugees and migrants in northeastern Wisconsin through our immigration legal services and refugee resettlement services.
Each of us can get involved in the National Migration Week/World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Here are a few opportunities to consider:- Talk with your family and friends about National Migration Week/World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
- Attend the International & Community Festival on September 28 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Green Bay. Click here to learn more.
- Pray for migrants and refugees. Check out one from Pope Francis’ message this year – click here!
- Get involved in efforts to welcome and walk alongside migrants and refugees in your community. Become a volunteer at Catholic Charities.
- Donate to support our efforts to accompany migrants and refugees. Check out our wish list for new or gently used household items, winter coats (adult and children), and gift cards to Walmart to purchase groceries and other household items. To learn more please contact Jessica King, our Housing and Resource Coordinator, at [email protected] or (920) 272-8234.
Photo Caption/Credit: Pope Francis blesses a man as he meets migrants, refugees, orphans, the elderly and the sick in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sept. 3, 2024 (CNS photo | Vatican Media).
