The United Nations Refugee Agency reported that at the end of 2024, 123 million people worldwide had been forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events “seriously disrupting public order.” 74 million are internally displaced people; 37 million are refugees; 49 million are children; of these, 2 million were born as refugees! 8 million are asylum seekers; and 5 million are “stateless” people in need of international protection.
To raise awareness and encourage Catholics in the call of “Welcoming the stranger among us,” the Catholic Church in the United States annually observes National Migration Week. This year, Sept. 22-28. The week typically culminates with the observance of World Day of Migrants and Refugees; this year, however, the World Day will be observed on Oct. 4-5 to coincide with the Jubilee of Migrants. This annual observance is a time to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking and to engage migrants as community members, neighbors, and friends.
This year’s theme “considers the courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees in the light of the current Jubilee. They bear witness to hope for the future despite difficulties. It is the hope of happiness beyond borders that leads them to entrust themselves totally to God. Migrants and refugees become “missionaries of hope” in their host communities, often helping to revitalize the faith of local communities and promoting inter-religious dialogues based on common values. They also remind the Church of the ultimate purpose of the earthly pilgrimage leading to the future homeland.”
Read Pope Leo XIV’s 2025 World Day of Migrants & Refugees message: (English | Español)
How can I get involved?
Take the Cabrini Pledge, a reminder of our immigrant heritage and a call to deeper engagement with our faith in response to current events.
Opportunities to encounter and accompany include:
- Participating in or establishing a local Parishes Organized to Welcome Immigrants and Refugees (POWIR) program;
- Launching a new initiative that will support migrants in their effort to become American citizens, or
- Engaging in advocacy with local, state, and federal leaders to ensure that resources are in place to support refugees and immigrants during their transition and beyond.
- 10 Things You can Do to Accompany Undocumented Immigrants
Additional resources:
Immigration Legal Services in the Diocese of Grand Rapids (en Español)
Caring for Migrants and Refugees
From the Bishop: A call to compassion for a world on the move (September 2025 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine)
The borders we don’t see (November 2019 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine)
Welcoming the stranger among us (November 2019 FAITH Grand Rapids magazine)
From the Bishops of Michigan:
A Pastoral Note to Migrants from the Bishops in Michigan (English | Español)
Seeing Christ in the Immigrant FOCUS publication (English | Español)
FAQ on Catholic ministries serving migrants and refugees
Prayer resources for parishes (Justice for Immigrants)
From the USCCB:
View/download the: National Migration Week Toolkit (English)
Justice for Immigrants
Catholic ministries serving migrants and refugees
Migration and Refugee Services
Reflection on the USCCB’s pastoral letter “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope“: (English | Español)
Updates about: The war in Ukraine | Operation Allies Welcome and displaced Afghans
From the Vatican
Migrants and Refugees | Resources to download and share
Prayer and Reflection:
Holy Family, Refugee Family (CRS)
Prayers for immigrants and refugees (USCCB)
A prayer for immigrant children (Justice for Immigrants)
