Migration has been a reality of our world since ancient times. It has always been a sign of the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity and strive for a better life. Today, a great number of people move to other places, some by choice and others not. No matter the circumstances, all share the desire to live a safe, peaceful life.
The Church has been celebrating World Day of Migrants and Refugees each year since 1914. World Refugee Day has been marked by the UN on June 20th since 2000. This year, this event will be celebrated with a special mass on June 29, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. This is an opportunity for the faith community to reflect upon the role migration has played in our history and tradition, pray for migrants and refugees around the world, and raise awareness about the causes, challenges, and opportunities involved with migration. This annual event recognizes that many of us, in one form or another, are migrants, sharing the need for an open and welcoming community. As Pope Francis says, “The phenomenon of migration is not unrelated to salvation history, but rather a part of that history. On World Day of Migrants, we remember Mary and Joseph, migrants of their time – the hardships they faced, the importance of their journey, and God’s greater plan for them."
On behalf of Fr. Jack Pereira, chair of World Migration Day Planning Committee, I invite all members of CWL in the Diocese to join Bishop William McGrattan at St. Mary’s Cathedral. We are also encouraging all attendees to come in their national dress. This year, as we had in the past, reception to follow will be an international potluck. Chef Zari from Calgary Catholic Immigration Society will be making a few dishes for the reception but we would like to once again, respectfully request, donations of finger sandwiches, fruit or veggie trays, just in case… Your kind and generous donations last year helped us to feed the multitudes that crammed into the parish hall. It was standing room only!!! Donations can be dropped off after 2:00pm on at the parish hall on Thursday, June 29th. I thank you very much in advance.
