Chicago, (Sept. 20, 2024) – In observance of National Migration Week from Sept. 23-29, 2024, the parishes and Immigration Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago will host events celebrating Chicagoland’s diverse communities. For over 40 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, linked to the Vatican’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, as an opportunity for reflection on migrant circumstances. This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is “God walks with his people.”

National Migration Week will culminate on Sunday, Sept. 29 with a Mass at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago at 5:15 p.m., presided over by Bishop Robert Casey. The Mass will feature a procession representing 15 countries and readings in ten languages including English, Spanish, Polish, Italian, Chinese, Hindi, Filipino, Bahasa (Indonesia), Luganda (Uganda), and Vietnamese. Sister of Mercy JoAnn Persch will provide testimony on her community's work assisting migrants and asylum seekers.

Cardinal Blase Cupich remarked on the significance of this theme: “The Holy Father’s theme of ‘God walks with His people’ reminds us that throughout history God has consistently accompanied His people... But as newcomers to our country... every encounter with these... is a blessing.”

Pope Francis also emphasized the spiritual journey of migrants in his message for the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Many migrants experience God as their traveling companion... In prayer they confide their hopes to him.” He further noted that "God not only walks with his people but also within them."

The Archdiocese of Chicago’s National Pastoral Migratoria has coordinated efforts with other U.S. dioceses to raise awareness about National Migration Week. Dioceses including New York, Baltimore, Kansas City-St. Joseph (Mo.), and Stockton (Calif.) are organizing various events such as rosaries and legal clinics to support immigrant communities.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops encourages Catholic communities to come together during this week to welcome immigrants and refugees and reflect on their circumstances.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at the end of 2023 there were 117.3 million forcibly displaced people worldwide due to persecution or conflict.

More information about events can be found here: National Migration Week 2024 - Parish Vitality and Mission (archchicago.org).