A crew member of the Spanish nongovernmental organization Proactiva Open Arms comforts a rescued African migrant July 17 in central Mediterranean Sea. The main mission of the NGO is sea rescues of refugees that arrive in Europe fleeing wars, persecution or poverty. (CNS photo/Juan Medina, Reuters)
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“Before the challenges of contemporary movements of migration, the only reasonable response is one of solidarity and mercy.” (Pope Francis, homily at Mass with migrants, Rome, July 6)
Pope Francis’ papacy has always focused on the poor, vulnerable and outcast of society. While we were in Rome earlier this month, the Holy Father celebrated a special Mass for migrants and refugees who continue to suffer the tragic and tumultuous journey from war-torn areas of North Africa.
It was a hot and muggy Friday morning in St. Peter’s Square, as we found ourselves lined up outside the Vatican walls surrounded by these rescued refugees, angels in our midst — mothers with their daughters tugging at their hands, fathers with sons on their shoulders, young adults with big smiles and gleaming eyes. Alongside them were volunteers and workers from the Jesuit Refugees Services and uniformed coast guard officers who served in the rescue operations at sea.
Soon, we were joined by folks involved with the Vatican Migrants and Refugees Section on Human Trafficking and delegates of bishops commissions on migration from all over the world. We were all gathered as one ohana to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to the island of Lampedusa, where he first spoke out as pope on the refugee crisis.
In his homily, our Holy Father repeated the message he gave in Lampedusa in 2013 when praying for those lost at sea: “‘Where is your brother? His blood cries out to me’, says the Lord. This is not a question directed to others; it is a question directed to me, to you, to each of us.”
The pope then commented on the good news of the day’s Gospel: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
He said, “The Lord promises refreshment and freedom to all the oppressed of our world, but he needs us to fulfill his promise. He needs our eyes to see the needs of our brothers and sisters. He needs our hands to offer them help. He needs our voice to protest the injustices committed thanks to the silence, often complicit, of so many. Above all, the Lord needs our hearts to show his merciful love toward the least, the outcast, the abandoned, the marginalized.”
Pope Francis then warmly addressed the rescuers and the rescued directly: “I thank the rescuers for embodying in our day the parable of the Good Samaritan, who stopped to save the life of the poor man beaten by bandits. He didn’t ask where he was from, his reasons for travelling or his documents … he simply decided to care for him and save his life. To those rescued, I reiterate my solidarity and encouragement, since I am well aware of the tragic circumstances that you are fleeing. I ask you to keep being witnesses of hope in a world increasingly concerned about the present, with little vision for the future and averse to sharing. With respect for the culture and laws of the country that receives you, may you work out together the path of integration.”
After the Mass, Pope Francis talked story with each individual, blessing the families and children personally. Later, all enjoyed lunch prepared by refugees who had started a catering business. It was a joyful celebration that nourished our minds and hearts to respond to each other in solidarity and mercy.
Mahalo,
Your friends from the Office of Social Ministry
For Pope Francis’s full homily go to: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2018/documents/papa-francesco_20180706_omelia-migranti.html
