On Sunday 27 September, the Catholic Church marks the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, with Pope Leo XIV inviting us to see the human face of migration and particularly to remember children who have been forced to leave their homes.
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees has been observed by the Church since 1914. Each year, it offers an opportunity to pray for people on the move, to recognise the challenges they face and to reflect on the gifts and opportunities that migration can bring.
This year’s theme, “Even just one of these children”, is taken from the Gospel and places the experiences of migrant and refugee children at the heart of our reflection.
In his message for the World Day, Pope Leo XIV draws attention to the millions of children and young people who are forced to leave their homes because of war, poverty, violence, persecution and environmental disasters.
Many have experienced profound loss. Some have been separated from their families; others travel with their parents through dangerous and uncertain circumstances, while some arrive in a new country without their families at all.
Pope Leo reminds us that behind the statistics are individual children, each with a unique story, hopes and dreams and each possessing an infinite dignity as a child of God.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.”
The Holy Father calls on the Church and wider society not to become accustomed to the suffering of displaced children or to see them simply as part of a much larger migration debate.
“Even just one of these children” is enough to call us to open our eyes and hearts.
‘Remember their presence’
Bishop Paul McAleenan, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees for the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, has recorded a message for Catholics across England and Wales, highlighting the particular vulnerability of children who migrate or seek refuge.
He reminds us that children can easily become “invisible and voiceless” when conversations about migration focus on adults, policies and numbers.
Yet migrant and refugee children are already part of our communities.
Some live with their parents, while others are unaccompanied minors who find themselves living in an unfamiliar country among people they do not know.
“Whenever we form our opinion towards migrants and refugees,” Bishop Paul says, “remember that as Catholics we must take account of the full Gospel.”
He points to Jesus’ words: “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.”
Bishop Paul also gives thanks for the many parishes where people advocate for migrants and refugees, create spaces to discuss social justice and seek to challenge misinformation.
He pays particular tribute to Catholic schools, many of which welcome children from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Some have become Schools of Sanctuary, deliberately working to ensure that newly arrived children feel acknowledged, supported and included.
A call to welcome
Pope Leo’s message recognises the many people who already respond to displaced children with compassion, families who open their homes, educators, volunteers, aid workers and communities who seek to restore dignity, stability and a sense of belonging.
For the Church, this welcome is not simply about providing practical assistance. It is about recognising each person as a member of the human family and, where appropriate, of the wider ecclesial family.
The Pope calls Christian communities to create opportunities for encounter and friendship between local and migrant young people, helping children and young people to overcome isolation and rejection and to grow together in mutual respect and solidarity.
He also reminds us of the Holy Family’s own experience of exile. Mary and Joseph fled with the child Jesus from the violence of Herod and found refuge in Egypt.
In the experience of Jesus, the Church sees a profound reminder of God’s closeness to those who are displaced.
Prayer for people on the move
As we mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Catholics across the Diocese of Northampton are invited to pray for migrant and refugee children, their families and all those who support them.
We pray especially for children who have been separated from those they love, those who have experienced violence or exploitation, and those seeking safety and a new beginning.
The World Day also invites us to ask how our own parishes, schools and communities can become places where every child is known, valued and welcomed.
Even just one of these children matters.
And, as Pope Leo reminds us, when we welcome one child, we encounter Christ.
Prayer for people on the move
Lord Jesus,
when you multiplied the loaves and fishes, you provided more than food for the body. You offered us the gift of yourself, the gift which satisfies every hunger and quenches every thirst.
Today you call us to welcome the members of God’s family who come to our land to escape oppression, poverty, persecution, violence and war.
Help us to banish fear from our hearts, that we may embrace each of your children as our own brother and sister.
Help us to welcome migrants and refugees with joy and generosity, responding to their many needs.
Help us to recognise that you call all people to your holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice.
Teach us to share our abundance and to give witness to your love for all people.
We praise you and give you thanks for the family you have called together from so many peoples.
We see in this human family a reflection of the divine unity of the one Most Holy Trinity, in whom we make our prayer:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
