“Migrants, missionaries of hope” is the issue that Pope Francis has chosen for the 111st World Migrant and Refugee Day, which will be held on October 4 and 5 of this year.
The Dicasterio for the Service of Integral Human Development, explained in a statement that, in the light of the Jubileo de la Esperanza, the issue highlights the value and tenacity of migrants and refugees.
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According to the Vatican Dicastery, these people give “testimony to Diario de la Esperanza in the future despite the difficulties.”
“It is the hope of achieving happiness beyond borders, the hope that leads them to fully trust God,” they emphasize.
In this way, migrants and refugees become “missionaries of hope” in the communities where they are welcomed, often contributing to revitalize their faith and to promote an interreligious dialogue based on common values.
They also remind the Church “the ultimate goal of earthly pilgrimage, namely, reach, the future homeland.”
This day was held for the first time in 1915 due to Italian emigrants during the Pontificate of Benedict XV. Over time, this day dedicated to praying for migrants extended to the entire Catholic Church and has changed dated. At present, the last Sunday of September.
However, this year the world day of the migrant and the refugee will change dated and will be held on October 4 and 5, on the occasion of the jubilee of the migrant and missionary world.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
I am graduated in journalism and advertising from the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid. Specialized in religious information in Spain since 2015. I have been a senior correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News in the Vatican for two years and I am currently a correspondent from Europe based on Spain.