“Assist migrant families” says Pope Benedict XVI ‘s message for World Day of Migrants
and Refugees.
(Tuesday,14 Nov.2006):-The Holy Family of Nazreth was held up as an example by Pope Benedict XVI in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees to be celebrated 14th Jan 2007. Its theme is “The Migrant Family”. The papal message was presented by Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino – President of the Pontifical Council for Migrants at a Press Conference, Tuesday, 14th Nov. The message reflected on the condition of the migrant family today saying - through the plight of the Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph taking refuge in Egypt, we can understand the difficulties that every migrant family lives through.The distance of family members from one another and unsuccessful reunification, often result in breaking original ties, said the Pope’s message. What’s worse, if the immigrant family is not ensured a real possibility of inclusion and participation in the new country, it is difficult to expect its harmonious development. Pope Benedict’s message said the Church encourages the ratification of the international legal instruments that aim to defend the rights of migrants, refugees and their families. Through its various institutions and associations, it offers advocacy to respond to the growing needs in this field. The Papal message particularly notes the recent increase in the number of women, who leave their countries of origin in search of better conditions of life, and how at times, some women end up as victims of trafficking. There is the risk of women and children being involved in sexual exploitation. In these cases an attentive pastoral presence is necessary.Everything must be done to guarantee the rights and dignity of the families, the Pope’s message emphasizes. The Papal message also mentions students from other countries, whose scholarships are insufficient to meet their needs, and their conditions are worse if they are married. The Pope’s message concludes hoping that the World Day of Migrants and Refugees may be a useful occasion to build awareness, in the ecclesial community and public opinion, regarding the needs and problems of migrant families.
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