Goto main content
108th World Day of Migrants and refugees
2022-09-02

108th World Day of Migrants and refugees

“BUILDING THE FUTURE WITH MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES”

On September 25th, the Church will mark the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. It is an occasion to express our concern for the many vulnerable people on the move, to pray for them as they face many challenges, and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.

The theme announced by His Holiness Pope Francis for this year’s event is “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”. In his message, Pope Francis reminds us that “the arrival of Catholic migrants and refugees can energize the ecclesial life of the communities that welcome them”. Click here to see Pope Francis’ entire message.

Refugee Sponsorship in Canada

The Catholic Church in Canada has participated in Canada’s Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program since its inception in 1979, resettling tens of thousands of refugees who were forced to flee their home countries because of war, violence or persecution. Since 1979, private sponsors have resettled over 350,000 refugees to Canada. This is a remarkable accomplishment for Canadians.

Eighteen Catholic organizations (Dioceses, Religious congregations, and other groups) across Canada currently work as Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs). As a SAH, they are allowed to name the refugees that they wish to sponsor. Once Immigration Canada approves the refugee sponsorship application, SAHs work with parishioners and parish communities to welcome, journey and support their sponsored refugee families. Each SAH commits to financially supporting their refugee family for a period of one year, which can be a significant financial commitment.

Our Situation Today

It is estimated that there are currently over 89 million people who have been forced from their homes, of which over 36 million have fled their homelands. This terrible situation is made even worse in recent months with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, forcing millions of Ukrainians to flee their home country. The Canadian Government has responded by creating a special program for Ukrainians displaced by war. Over 496,000 Ukrainian nationals have already applied to travel to Canada under a special visitor visa program. Over 74,000 have already arrived in Canada. Those without family links in Canada experience difficulty in securing a place to live. Thankfully, many groups are involved in addressing their plight.

As Pope Francis has said, “In turbulent times we are to re-commit to the journey of building the kingdom”.

Click here for a series of pastoral suggestions from the Catholic Refugee Sponsors’ Council (CRSC), as well as a resource list which includes bulletin announcements and prayers of the faithful.

  • Message of 1 May 2024: " "You give them something to eat."

    On the occasion of May 1st, International Workers’ Day and the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the Quebec Assembly of Catholic Bishops invites Christian communities to pay attention to the current food crisis, to analyze the situation in the light of the Gospel, and to consider various courses of action to ensure that everyone has enough to eat.


    Published on 18.04.24
  • PARISH SUPPORT CAMPAIGN (TITHE) 2024

    In his video message for the annual campaign to support parishes (tithing), Bishop Paul-André Durocher reminds us how parishes are vibrant and dynamic, as well as places where the wealth, talents and gifts of all can be shared. "Following Jesus' example, everyone can make a difference in their community by sharing their time, talents and treasures." 


    Published on 15.04.24
  • 2024 Easter message from Bishop Paul-André Durocher

    How I wish I could experience Easter without having to endure Good Friday! 

    How pleasant it would be to lose weight without dieting or exercising, to master an art without practising for hours, or to succeed in a project without devoting so much energy and resources to it! It would be wonderful to be loved without having to give of myself to another, to be forgiven without having to ask for forgiveness, to be reconciled without having to overcome my pride.


    Published on 26.03.24
  • A Great Symphony of Prayer: The Our Father as a Programme of Life

    The CCCB Ad hoc Committee for the Preparation for the Jubilee 2025 is hosting a two-part series titled, “A Great Symphony of Prayer” which will enable the faithful one meaningful way to participate in the Year of Prayer which was announced by Pope Francis on 21 January 2024. 


    Published on 19.03.24
  • Journey Through Lent Video Series: Weekly Reflections for the Lenten Season

    The Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, in collaboration with the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie, launches the 2024 video series titled Journey Through Lent. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, 14 February 2024, and for each Sunday in Lent, up to and including Palm Sunday, a video will be uploaded to the CCCB website featuring pastoral reflections based on the Readings for the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. Geared to individuals, families, and communities, this series is meant to offer spiritual inspiration and guidance on how to prepare well for the Easter season.


    Published on 19.02.24
  • SHARE LENT 2024 - DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE

    Share Lent is an annual highlight for Development and Peace.
    It is when the bishops of Canada encourage the faithful to give to Development and Peace, especially through the collection on Solidarity Sunday, the fifth Sunday of Lent...


    Published on 08.02.24
  • Pope Francis’ message for the 32nd World Day of the Sick (February 11, 2024)

     Earlier this year, the Vatican published Pope Francis’ message for the 32nd World Day of the Sick, celebrated each year on February 11. The Holy Father’s message for this year is entitled: “It is not good that man should be alone” – Caring for the sick by caring for relationships. Echoing the Holy Father’s message, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) renews its commitment to prayer and accompaniment of the sick. Pope Francis reminds us of the fundamental importance of human relationships in the process of healing and comforting the sick.


    Published on 30.01.24
  • Bishops Release a Pastoral Letter on the Use of Social Media

    Yesterday, on the liturgical memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, and with the approval of the Permanent Council, the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) releases its Pastoral Letter on the use of social media titled: “Let Your Speech Always Be Gracious.”


    Published on 25.01.24
  • Sunday of the Word of God 2024

    The 2024 edition of the Week of the Word of God will take place from 19 to 28 January 2024, under the theme: "Never seen anything like it!  This week is grafted onto Sunday of the Word of God, instituted by Pope Francis.

    The theme proposed this year, is inspired by the finale of the story of the paralysed man forgiven and healed.  "We have never seen anything like it" (Mk 2:12). A varied programme will allow us to enter into the amazement and wonder that God's work brings to our lives.
     


    Published on 12.01.24
  • Journey Through Advent – A Video Series to Introduce and Reflect on the Season

    The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Bishop Jon Hansen, CSsR, Bishop of Mackenzie-Fort Smith. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2023.

    A joint initiative of the National Liturgy Office, the Office national de liturgie and the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis...

     


    Published on 11.12.23

Archidiocèse de Gatineau
180, boulevard du Mont-Bleu,
Gatineau (Québec) J8Z 3J5

info@diocesegatineau.org
Téléphone: 819 771-8391
Télécopieur: 819 778-8969

Contact the diocesan team
 

© 2021 Archdiocese of Gatineau. All rights reserved.

Created by Communications et Société powered by SedNove