ASIA/MALAYSIA - Mercy and inclusion with immigrants, who are "a blessing"

Friday, 23 September 2016 year of mercy   migrants  

Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) - Mercy and inclusion are the fundamental teachings in the Gospel for every Christian who has relationships with immigrants: says the message Mgr. Bernard Paul, President of the Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in Bishops' Conference of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, released on the occasion of the "Day for migrants", which in the local Church is celebrated on September 25.
The text sent to Agenzia Fides, notes that "the Malaysian economy is heavily dependent on immigrant labor", which according to official figures are 6.7 million in the country, including more than 4 million workers without proper documents. "Only a few are willing to talk about the blessings that migrant workers and refugees bring to our lives, to our economy, to our companies. Their presence can also be seen in the field of construction, manufacturing, agriculture, plantation", says the message.
"Can we ignore their contribution? Can we look the other way, without any recognition? Do we have the courage to admit that they are our new neighbors? Migrants and refugees are our new friends and new neighbors, in a world marked by globalization and mobility", notes the Bishop, recalling that "when our children emigrate to foreign lands, we wish for them: inclusion, respect and benevolence. So let us do the same", he notes. The Bishop hopes that "parishes become centers of integration" and take steps to build a "migrant community", starting from the evangelical question, "Who is my neighbor?".
The text concludes with an appeal to all people of good will to "have the evangelical attitude of the Samaritan towards these new neighbors, who are among us, to build the Kingdom of God". (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/09/2016)


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