Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Santiago de Chile (Agenzia Fides) – Throughout the entire country, the local churches are preparing for the celebration of National Immigrant Day, on September 7. The theme is “Youth and Migration.” In addition to the many Church and cultural events, there will also be a collection taken up during the Masses on Sunday, which will go towards pastoral work with immigrant and itinerant peoples, coordinated through the Chilean Catholic Institute for Migration (INCAMI) and the Bishops’ Conference, who have launched a special web page for the event (http://www.iglesia.cl/).
In the Message issued on the occasion and signed by Bishop Enrique Troncoso of Melipilla, Head of Pastoral Ministry of Human Mobility in Chile, affirms that the Day is being celebrated because “there are so many immigrants – nearly 200 million – in the world, suffering great difficulties and discriminations.” Furthermore, “they are our brothers and this is enough reason for us to love them and help them, instead of criticizing them and showing them a lack of confidence.” According to a provisional demographic map, the number of immigrants in 2050 will be about 230 million. Also, the phenomenon of immigration goes hand in hand with “criminal and illegal activity that takes advantage of the clandestine nature of immigration and that many times is not controlled.”
As to Chile, the Message says that over 800,000 Chileans have left the country to immigrate to other ones. Some 200,000 people have entered Chile in the last several years. Female immigrants form about 50% of the population that send salaries back to their homeland, however there is also the problem of violence against women. “In many countries, a large number of women become slaves of the sex industry and what is particularly disturbing is that many of them are minors.”
In response to this situation and as Catholics, “we wish to spread awareness of this reality and send a warning call out to those Chileans who are collaborating in these activities.” “We can all try to offer something of our personal talents and possessions to help in understanding this situation, accepting it, and then working to improve it,” the Message concludes.
There are several initiatives being planned throughout the country for this celebration. For example, the Migration Department of Santiago will have a Mass at noon in the parish of Our Lady of Pompey, presided by the President of the Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Alejandro Goic. A celebration will follow.
Bishop Hector Vargas of Arica will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral of Saint Mark at noon, with a traditional dance festival to follow.
On the 6th, there will be a Mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Iquique at 8pm, celebrated by Bishop Marco Ordenes Fernandez and concelebrated by Fr. Franklin Luza Zanartu, Director of Migration Pastoral Ministry. Scalabrinian missionary Fr. Ildo Griz, head of the “Tres Fronteras” Ministry of the INCAMI, will also concelebrate. There will be a special brunch held with the immigrants. On September 9, a room that will be used by “Manos Dignas,” a workshop for immigrants to learn artistry, sponsored by the Eucharistic Missionaries of Mary Immaculate.
The Diocese of Antofagasta has prepared a celebration in collaboration with immigrants as well.
Various other parishes throughout the country have organized activities with immigrants as well. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/9/2008)
