In light of recent events involving a family in Warrnambool and the current reports regarding a Sri Lankan family from Biloela in Queensland, I thought I would share the following from the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office.
Church Teaching on MigrationWelcome The StrangerAction and attitude
In the Gospel, Jesus compels us to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35). Welcome in this context involves both an attitude and an action. It is our attitude which constantly needs to be assessed in light of the Gospel to ensure that we are carrying out the Lord's commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves. Once we have the right attitude, our actions should reflect and consolidate this attitude. The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) advocates for attitudes based on compassion, justice, mercy, acceptance and encounter. Actions based on these attitudes seek to comfort the afflicted, provide refuge for the persecuted and be a homeland for the exiled.
Let us pray:
For Pope Francis, our Bishops, and all those who minister in the Church. That they may guide the Church with wisdom and holiness through the works of Faith, Hope and Charity.
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our Prayer.
For the Church. That in our deeds, we may be a witness of the sanctifying and sacrificial love of Christ.
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our Prayer.
For migrants, refugees, and international students. That we may work with them, attentive to their needs and promoting their innate dignity as children of God.
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our Prayer.
For our political leaders, legislators, and those in public office. May they enhance laws that welcome, protect, and promote the most vulnerable in our community.
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our Prayer.
For those who minister to migrants, refugees, and international students. That they may find strength and courage in the words of the Lord, who says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”. Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our Prayer.
For those who have died. In particular those seeking safety and peace. May God’s merciful love shine on them and on their loved ones left behind.
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord hear our Prayer.