Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Every encounter with migrants or refugees is an encounter with Christ, Pope Francis stated. "It is an occasion charged with salvation because Jesus is present in the sister or brother in need of our help. In this sense, the poor save us because they enable us to encounter the face of the Lord," he wrote in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29.

"Do not let us become possessive" of the land God has offered as "a temporary home. Help us to keep walking, together with our migrant brothers and sisters" toward heaven, he added in a prayer for the day.

Pope Francis’ message and prayer focused on the theme "God walks with his people" and were released at the Vatican on June 3. By emphasizing its synodal nature, the Catholic Church can rediscover its "itinerant nature, as the People of God journeying through history on pilgrimage, 'migrating,' we could say, toward the Kingdom of Heaven," he wrote.

The biblical narrative of Exodus shares similarities with today's migrants' stories, he noted. "Migrants often flee from oppression, abuse, insecurity, discrimination and lack of opportunities for development. Similar to the Jews in the desert, migrants encounter many obstacles: They are tried by thirst and hunger; they are exhausted by toil and disease; they are tempted by despair," he wrote.

Yet with every exodus, "God precedes and accompanies his people and all his children in every time and place." Many migrants experience God as their traveling companion and anchor of salvation," he said.

God also "identifies himself with men and women on their journey through history, particularly with the least, the poor and marginalized," he continued. Therefore, encountering a migrant is also encountering Christ.

The pope called for unity in prayer for those who have had to leave their land seeking dignified living conditions. At a Vatican news conference presenting this message, Cardinal Michael Czerny emphasized that migrants' journeys stem from desperation rather than choice due to war or poverty.

Loreto Sister Patricia Murray highlighted that educating young children about inclusivity is crucial since prejudices form early. She stressed that differences should enrich rather than divide society.

Blessing Okoedion shared her experience as a survivor of human trafficking from Nigeria. She emphasized listening more to survivors' experiences while advocating resilience against exploitation.

Trafficked to Italy in 2013 but later receiving support from Ursuline Sister Rita Giaretta's efforts against trafficking since 1995 in Caserta led Okoedion to co-found Weavers of Hope association aiding trafficked women since 2018.

"We are not ashamed to be called survivors...we would like every girl...to have hope...and find courage,” she concluded about their work being “a sign of redemption."