National Migration Week (E-Pistle Message)

Abraham’s journey to a foreign land and the Holy Family fleeing their home seeking safety are reminders that our faith is built upon the lived experience of migrants. This truth compels us to receive the stranger in gratitude. In solidarity with the Holy Father, the Diocese of Austin embraces this year’s National Migration Week theme, “Toward an Ever Wider ‘We’”. This focus captures our Catholic tradition -- to act boldly, dispelling the culture of “them versus us” so that we can truly be witnesses to the teachings of Christ.

We are a church built upon a diversity of cultures, languages and ethnicities. Let us work to eliminate the fear of the other and cultivate a sincere appreciation of the presence of migrants whose love for Christ makes us one family. Let us remember our brothers and sisters facing violence, food scarcity, threat to home, family and life. Let us pray for their spiritual and physical journeys so that they may see their children grow in the light of Christ.  

As Catholics, we are called to stand in defense of life; called to respect and embrace the stranger. May we see our Lord Jesus in the faces of one another; and together we ask St. Mother Cabrini, whose profound works served immigrants and refugees across this country, to intercede for our world, that we may live the Gospel of Life.

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40)

Learn more about National Migration Week

Read the Full E-Pistle