ASIA/TAIWAN - Fourth Sunday in September is 9th Day of Migrants and Refugees, dedicated to “Youth Immigrants”

Tai Pei (Agenzia Fides) – “Youth Immigrants” is the theme chosen for the 9th Day of Migrants and Refugees, which is being celebrated in Taiwan on the Fourth Sunday in September, September 28. The theme has been chosen by the Pastoral Commission for Migrants and Itinerant Peoples, of the Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. According to the letter signed by Bishop Bosco Lin Chi-Nan of Tainan, President of the Commission, the objective of the Day “is not only that of promoting a cultural and economic development in Taiwan, but also of making our society aware of the need to express our gratitude for and acknowledgement of immigrants, especially those in the work force. We are fortunate enough to welcome them, helping them on their path of faith, thus showing the ecumenical aspect of the Church, that we are all people of God.” Bishop Lin once again encouraged all members of the Catholic community to take active participation in this initiative, as Jesus has said: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt. 25:35).
According to statistics from this past April, in Taiwan there are now 367,119 working immigrants, nearly 357,754 are from the Continent, or from southeast Asia. These statistics are on the rise every year. Thus, what is required is “an adequate work policy that does not place local employment at risk, avoiding exploitation on the part of local employers.” Nineteen years ago, on February 6, 1989, the Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan sent out the first “Letter on Immigrants,” in which they encouraged society in Taiwan to be open to the immigrants, who have made a large contribution to the island’s economic development, by transforming the parishes into places of prayer and social life for immigrants, forming support groups for pastoral and social services. In April 1996, the Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan declared the Fourth Sunday in September, the Day of Migrants and Refugees. As society in Taiwan is always growing in its diversity of ethnic, cultural, and religious background, with the passing of the years, the initiative assumes even more importance. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 22/9/2008)