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National Migration Week: January 6-12, 2008
From Many, One
Family of God
The US
Bishops have designated January 6 (Feast of Epiphany) through January 3,
2008 as National Migration Week. This observance calls people of faith
to join in solidarity with immigrants, migrants, refugees and victims of
human trafficking. In this 27th annual celebration, the theme
of which is From Many, One Family of God, the focus is on
developing awareness of newcomers within our faith communities and
celebrating our diversity and richness together as a family of God.
With the
Congressional failure to pass a Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill in
2007, the climate of resentment, suspicion and fear against newcomers
continues. As the presidential election of 2008 gains momentum,
Immigration remains one the divisive issues. Knowing a candidate’s
commitment to Immigration Reform is helpful in our making a choice that
will promote and sustain the common good.
Here are some recommended
resources to assist you in celebrating National Migration Week in
different settings:
-
The Oblate JPIC website
has resources on the root causes of migration, talking points on
immigration, a Catholic Response to Immigration, a DVD list and
Updates on immigration reforms. Click on Border and Immigration to
find these materials.
- The
Center of Concern has launched a new initiative called
Voting the Common Good. This offers an excellent resource guide
for Catholics and other people of faith in preparations for the 2008
elections. Materials focus on principles to guide immigration
policy, questions for candidates, Church Bulletin inserts, myth
busters, talking points for discussion settings and more:
http://www.coc.org/election2008/
“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”
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Pope Benedict XVI, October 18, 2006, World Migration Day.
Vatican. |
