‘Migrants, missionaries of hope’

The Holy Father has chosen “Migrants, missionaries of hope” as the theme of the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In the light of the Jubilee, the theme highlights the courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees, who bear witness daily to hope for the future despite difficulties. It is the hope to reach happiness beyond borders, the hope that leads them to entrust themselves totally to God. Migrants and refugees become “missionaries of hope” in the communities where they are welcomed, often contributing to revitalizing the faith and promoting interreligious dialogue based on common values. They remind the Church of the ultimate aim of the earthly pilgrimage, to reach the future homeland.

This year the World Day of Migrants and Refugees will not be held on the customary last Sunday of September, but will instead be celebrated on 4 and 5 October, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Migrants and the Missionary World.