The World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2009

There are more than 20 million refugees in the world.  This is a drama that impacts on our countries, our families and our Sisters.

An old rabbi once asked his disciples how one could discover when night ended and day began. - Is it when one is unable to distinguish at a distance the difference between a dog and a sheep? - No, said the rabbi. - Is it when one is unable to distinguish between a date palm and a fig tree? - No, said the rabbi. - Well then, asked the disciples, when is it?  - The rabbi answered: It is when you look at the face of someone and you recognise the face of your sister or brother.  Up till that moment, it is still night in your heart. Source:  http://www.eglisemigrations.org/ressources/10508/96/dossier_animationjmmr2009.pdf

St. Paul, migrant, “apostle of the people” is the theme proposed to the Pope by the Pontifical Council for the pastoral care of migrants and displaced peoples on the occasion of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will take place on 18th January 2009.    Here is the Holy Father’s message on that occasion:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/migration/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20080824_world-migrants-day_en.html Questions to facilitate further reflection: - What is displaced in me when I experience a meeting with migrants? - What changes take place in my perception of faith when I work alongside migrants? - What brings us together? - What difficulties do we meet in our efforts to build communion? Prayer for migrants and refugees. From Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa. Click on the  photo: