PANAJI
Archbishop of Goa and Daman Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has appealed to priests and lay faithful to treat migrants with respect, not as second-class citizens, but as equals working and celebrating together the Catholic way of life.Imparting his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Cardinal Ferrão said the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman joins the Universal Church in celebrating the 108th
World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday and the theme chosen by Pope Francis is “Building the future with Migrants and Refugees.”
“I wish to extend my blessings and good wishes to all our migrant brothers and sisters living in Goa and to all our Goan sisters and brothers living in other parts of India and in countries all over the world,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
“Along with Pope Francis, I acknowledge that migrants and refugees have contributed towards the development of our society and Church communities. Many Catholic migrants and refugees are revitalising the ecclesial communities that welcome them.”
“Many of our Goan Catholics, settled abroad, have been actively involved in carrying forward the mission of the Church in their capacity as lay leaders in their local parish communities.” “Indeed, the contribution of our Goan Catholics in revitalising the ecclesial communities in different parts of the world has been acknowledged and appreciated by several bishops and priests worldwide,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
Cardinal Ferrão said Pope Francis invites everyone to make room for the Catholic migrants in parishes and communities so that we may grow together as a Church.
“In this regard, I appeal to our priests and lay faithful to treat the migrants among us with respect, not seeing them as second-class citizens, but as equals working and celebrating together our Catholic way of life.”
“Let us be cordial and welcoming towards them, foster a brotherly and friendly relationship with them and encourage them to participate without fear in the liturgical and other activities of our parishes.”
“In giving them opportunities for their community prayers and in being receptive to their way of celebrating the liturgy, we shall be able to acknowledge the diverse ways people use to express faith and see the presence of the migrants in our midst as a blessing and an opportunity for the spiritual and cultural growth of our ecclesial communities and society at large,” said Cardinal Ferrão.
In his Message for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Cardinal Ferrão said Pope Francis calls on all people to build a future, a tomorrow, which includes all and there can be no tomorrow without the inclusion of migrants and refugees.
“He has urged people to build a future based on a new global system that responds better to God’s plan, a world where everyone can live in peace and prosperity. He reminds people about the diverse expressions of faith and devotions that serve as an opportunity for us to grow in our catholicity,” Cardinal Ferrão added.
