“Migrants, missionaries of hope” is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR).
Published in the Bulletin of the Holy See, the 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.
This year, on the Jubilee of Migrants, the WDMR will not fall on the last Sunday of September, as usual, but will be celebrated on 4 and 5 October, according to the Jubilee programme.