Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - “The Migrant Family” is the theme chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for the 93rd World Day for Migrants and Refugees, 14 January 2007. The theme, the Pope writes, “is in continuity with those of 1980, 1986 and 1993. It intends to underline further the commitment of the Church not only in favour of the individual migrant, but also of his family, which is a place and resource of the culture of life and a factor for the integration of values.”.
To reflect on the condition of the migrant family, the message presents first of all the Holy Family of Nazareth in exile: “In this misfortune experienced by the Family of Nazareth, obliged to take refuge in Egypt, we can catch a glimpse of the painful condition in which all migrants live, especially, refugees, exiles, evacuees, internally displaced persons, those who are persecuted. We can take a quick look at the difficulties that every migrant family lives through, the hardships and humiliations, the deprivation and fragility of millions and millions of migrants, refugees and internally displaced people. The Family of Nazareth reflects the image of God safeguarded in the heart of every human family, even if disfigured and weakened by emigration.”
The Holy Father recalls the difficulties encountered by the migrant family, first of all separation from other family members, often a motive for breaking with original ties: “If the immigrant family is not ensured of a real possibility of inclusion and participation, it is difficult to expect its harmonious development”. Pope Benedict XVI affirms “The International Convention for the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families which was enforced on July 1st, 2003, intends to defend men and women migrant workers and the members of their respective families... The Church encourages the ratification of the international legal instruments that aim to defend the rights of migrants, refugees and their families and, through its various Institutions and Associations, offers its advocacy that is becoming more and more necessary”.
Much is already being done for the integration of the families of immigrants, although much still remains to be done, it is necessary to provide for legislative, juridical and social intervention to facilitate such an integration. “In recent times, there is an increase in the number of women who leave their countries of origin in search of better conditions of life, in view of more promising professional prospects. However, women who end up as victims of trafficking of human beings and of prostitution are not few in number. In family reunification, social workers, especially religious women, can render an appreciated service of mediation that merits our gratitude more and more.”.
The Message calls attention to the conditions of refugee families which “seem to have gone worse in comparison with the past... In the camps assigned to them, in addition to logistic difficulties, and those of a personal character linked to the trauma and emotional stress caused by the tragic experiences they went through, sometimes there is also the risk of women and children being involved in sexual exploitation, as a survival mechanism”. The presence of the Church in this field is particularly important to heal the wounds of the heart, restore the culture of respect and have the true value of love, encourage the desperate and guarantee the rights of families and adequate housing. “Refugees are asked to cultivate an open and positive attitude towards their receiving society and maintain an active willingness to accept offers to participate in building together an integrated community that would be a "common household" for all.”
The Pope speaks also about migrant students from other countries, far from home “without an adequate knowledge of the language, at times without friends and often with a scholarship that is insufficient for their needs. Their condition is even worse if they are married” and he adds “helping foreign students is "an important field of pastoral action”.
The Pope concludes saying he hopes World Day for Migrants and Refugees may be an opportunity “to build awareness, in the ecclesial community and public opinion, regarding the needs and problems, as well as the positive potentialities of migrant families” and that his thoughts “go in a special way to those who are directly involved in the vast phenomenon of migration, and to those who expend their pastoral energy in the service of human mobility”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2006 - Righe 52, parole 523)
