Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Buenos Aires (Agenzia Fides) – “The life of every migrant and every refugee demands and urges us to build a new world” we read in a statement issued jointly by the Argentine Bishops’ Commission for Migration and Argentina’s Catholic Commission for Migration (FCCM). The statement was issued in view of the celebration of the country’s national Migrants Day, on Sunday 7 September. According to information sent to Fides, the theme chosen for the Day this year is “Migrants and Refugees: towards a better world”, in keeping with the Message issued by Pope Francis for World Migrants Day 2014.
For the occasion, Argentina’s Migration Pastoral reaffirmed its commitment: to provide spiritual, human and material assistance for migrants and refugees; to re-launch its objectives: to sensitize the ecclesial and civil community regarding the phenomenon of migration and its incidence on society ; to promote knowledge and application of Catholic doctrine in this field; follow the Christian spirit in laws and practical rules relative to migration; promotion and coordination of spiritual assistance; integral human promotion and protection of the culture, identity and rights of migrants and refugees .
This afternoon Saturday 6 September , thousands of immigrants in Argentina and their descendants will take part in a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Nuestra Senora de Luján, Patron Saint of Argentina, some 60 kilometres from Buenos Aires, to celebrate the “Fiesta de todos”, praying in particular to obtain the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There will be special prayers in the Basilica’s crypt in front of a series of national Marian images from the original countries of Argentina’s numerous migrants . After the hoisting in the hall of the Basilica of the flags of the nations present at the pilgrimage, the Mass of the Migrant will be celebrated by the Rector of the Basilica, accompanied by choirs of the different communities. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 06/09/2014)
