Sunday 19 January: World Day of Migrants and Refugees
This year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees is marked on Sunday 19 January with the theme ‘Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World’. In his message Pope Francis says: “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more. The reality of migration, given its new dimensions in our age of globalisation, needs to be approached and managed in a new, equitable and effective manner; more than anything, this calls for international cooperation and a spirit of profound solidarity and compassion.”
To read the full text of this year’s message please click on this link.
Statistics indicate that more than 544,000 non-Irish nationals now live in the Republic of Ireland, representing 199 nations. Between 2004 and 2011, there were 42, 525 regis-tered migrant workers in Northern Ireland, 77% of whom were aged 18-34 .
Please remember this intention particularly in your prayers. By doing so we will be united with each other, Pope Francis and the universal church in placing the need of these brothers and sisters before God.
Prayers for Refugees and Victims of War
Lord God, no-one is a stranger to you and no-one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness watch over refuges and victims of war, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost and those who have left home or run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need.
