Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bogota (Agenzia Fides) – The Colombian Bishops' Conference has promoted September 12 to 19, the National Week of the Migrant, Refugee, and Marginalized. The slogan, according to the note sent to Fides, is: "Every life, a story; every dream, a commitment; every migrant, a person." This celebration, which has taken place every year for over 15 years, is coordinated by the National Secretariat of Pastoral Social Ministry (SNPS/Caritas Colombiana) and the Archdiocese of Bogota, through the Pastoral Commission on Human Mobility.
The initiative, which will conclude Sunday, September 19, the World Day of Migrants, is guided by the Holy Father's Message, which this year (2010) focuses on immigrant and refugee minors. The aim is to raise awareness among the Christian community about the reality of migration and displacement. From September 12 to 19, different activities will take place that will help participants to see the reality of itinerant peoples and show solidarity towards them.
Among other initiatives, on September 14, the Fifth Forum on experience of helping children and adolescents, victims of armed conflict in Colombia, will take place at the headquarters of the Colombian Bishops' Conference - Auditorium Regina Apostolorum. During the week, depending on the programming of each parish, there will be a recitation of the Rosary for migrants. On September 17, at the school of La Presentacion, the entire afternoon will be devoted to the integration of children, with the theme "Grow and Dream Together." On Sunday, September 19, at 12:30pm, in the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, there will be a special Mass for the World Day of Migrants. On September 25, there will be a meeting on interculturalism within the framework of the “Expocatólica” of Colombia. Finally, on September 26, the “Parco de Lourdes” will host the Festival of Peoples. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 10/09/2010)
