A message from Fr John

Good morning - I hope you’re well in these confusing times

Stay safe please

The next section of the Pope’s Encyclical is entitled 'Heart open to the world’.

To the theme of migration, the latter, entitled “A heart open to the whole world”. With their lives “at stake” (Par 37), fleeing from war, persecution, natural catastrophes, unscrupulous trafficking, ripped from their communities of origin, migrants are to be welcomed, protected, supported and integrated. Unnecessary migration needs to be avoided, the Pontiff affirms, by creating concrete opportunities to live with dignity in the countries of origin. But at the same time, we need to respect the right to seek a better life elsewhere. In receiving countries, the right balance will be between the protection of citizens’ rights and the guarantee of welcome and assistance for migrants (see Par 38-40). Specifically, the Pope points to several “indispensable steps, especially in response to those who are fleeing grave humanitarian crises”: to increase and simplify the granting of visas; to open humanitarian corridors; to assure lodging, security and essential services; to offer opportunities for employment and training; to favour family reunification; to protect minors; to guarantee religious freedom. What is needed above all – the document reads – is global governance, an international collaboration for migration which implements long-term planning, going beyond single emergencies, on behalf of the supportive development of all peoples (see Par 129-132).

I hope you are finding these summaries helpful. There can be no doubting the Pope’s (and the Church’s) commitment to putting the Gospel into practice - translating the teaching of Jesus into our own day and age with all the struggles that entails. But we never lose hope.

Thank you for your kind support of CAFOD and the food bank.

Our attention now turns to APF/MIssio as we celebrate Mission Sunday this weekend. You will find the video which accompanies it very uplifting concerning the work of missionaries around the world: ‘We Are Still Here’ (click to watch).

Could I also remind you that if you want a copy of Mission Today or your Red Box emptying, lease let myself of Maureen know and we will pass on your address to the Local Secretary.

St Joseph, protector of missionaries, pray for us

Every blessing

Fr John