Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Modling (Agenzia Fides) – On March 8-11, the city of Modling (Vienna), hosted the yearly encounter entitled “Pastoral Care for Immigrants in the Urban Metropolises of Europe,” which this year was subtitled: “Africans in Europe. The Pastoral Approach for a Necessary Encounter.” The Congress was attended by diocesan and national leaders of pastoral care for immigrants and by several pastoral workers from various cities: Barcelona, Basil, Bonn, Brussels, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Lyons, Lucerna, Luxembourg, Milan, Paris, Turin, Vienna, etc. The priests and laity from Africa offered an important and enriching addition to the Congress, as they offered their competent contribution for further reflection. Given the pastoral approach of the Congress, there was a great focus on the migratory trends from sub-Saharan Africa, which often includes Christians among them.
The talks and reflections from the various cities showed that the people arriving from sub-Saharan Africa are a minority in the European migratory pattern. However, their number is growing. The economic political, and environmental factors, affecting Africa and leading people to immigrate, are certainly serious ones.
Equally strong is the attraction that Europe has, as it is mainly known to the people through images in the mass media. The higher standard of living obtained by immigrant families inspires others to follow in their footsteps. This is where the organizations for trafficking in human persons take advantage of the situation.
For a correct pastoral approach, it is obviously necessary that one have a knowledge of the cultures and religious practices in the countries of origin, as well as of the causes of immigration and the often precarious social conditions in which African find themselves, once they reach Europe. And lastly, one should consider the changes that immigration can impose on the expression of the faith and the spread of new religious movements.
Given the complexity of the phenomenon, a collaborative effort is needed between the Churches in the country of origin and those in the land where they have immigrated, the reception given them by African priests, religious, and pastoral agents, willing to build bridges between African Christians in Europe and the local Churches, and establish awareness and support for immigrants and refugees in the various sectors of society. (LD) (Agenzia Fides 17/3/2009)
