Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Washington, DC (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Migration Week, January 3-9, 2010. The observance began over 25 years ago by the bishops, as a moment for Catholics to take stock of the wide diversity of the Church and the ministries serving them. The theme this year will again be “Renewing Hope, Seeking Justice,” although the focus will be migrant and refugee children, following the lead of the Pope Benedict XVI, who has chosen the theme “Minor Migrants and Refugees” for the 2010 World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
“Children are an exceptionally vulnerable population that are easily taken advantage of, exploited and abused. This is particularly true when they are undocumented and unaccompanied in a foreign country and, all too often, with nobody to turn to for help,” says Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration.
In addition to traditional types of material, including bulletin inserts, prayer cards and an Advent booklet—all three available in English and Spanish—the Committee on Migration has launched other exciting initiatives in anticipation of the 2010 National Migration Week. In coordination with The Catholic University of America, a new educational Website will be launched, focusing on the important role that the Catholic Church has played in the immigration debate throughout Twentieth Century America. “We hope that this will be a great resource for teachers, directors of religious education and others interested in this issue,” says Bishop Wester. (AR) (Agenzia Fides 4/1/2010)
