Migration

“It is necessary to respond to the globalization of migration with the globalization of charity and cooperation, in such a way as to make the conditions of migrants more humane. At the same time, greater efforts are needed to guarantee the easing of conditions, often brought about by war or famine, which compel whole peoples to leave their native countries.”

﹣Pope Francis, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, September 3, 2014.

The Catholic Church upholds the right of people to migrate to flee oppression and poverty, calling people of faith to support and assist those who migrate in order to live in dignity and peace and to flourish as humans made in the image of God.

Migrant family at asylum rally in Nogales, Mexico

A migrant family shares their story during a rally for access to asylum at the US-Mexico border in 2021.

Discover a rich collection of resources that address the complex and pressing issue of migration through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. These materials highlight the Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person, the call to solidarity, and the responsibility to welcome the stranger and protect the vulnerable.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual tools inspired by Scripture and Catholic tradition to guide compassionate responses to the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.
  • Educational Resources: Lesson plans, discussion guides, and classroom activities designed to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of migration.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, articles, and infographics that bring the stories of migrants to life and highlight the Church’s teaching on justice, human dignity, and hospitality.
  • Advocacy Tools: Practical resources to support advocacy for humane migration policies and to foster community actions that uphold the rights and dignity of migrants.

These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of migration as a critical issue in today’s world, inviting educators, faith leaders, and advocates to reflect, learn, and act. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, they inspire individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with migrants and work toward a more just and compassionate society.

No Hands But Yours

Prayer
This prayer expresses the deep human yearning for healing, love, justice, truth, and peace in a troubled world filled with deception and uncertainty. It calls for personal responsibility and...

God Walks With His People - A Resource for World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Reflection
Reflect on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees with this series of audio reflections, grounded in solidarity and prayer with our migrant brothers and sisters. Created by the Jesuit Migration...

Human Dignity and the Migration Crisis

Film Discussion Guide
Reflect on the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border alongside the obstacles and opportunities that can be utilized to create a new approach that will uphold human dignity and advance the...

Student Guide on Migrants and Refugees

Activity
The United States is a nation of immigrants—people from around the world and diverse cultural traditions have made significant contributions to our history and have helped shape our communities and...

Bulletin Insert: Migrants and Refugees and the United States Elections (Revised)

This bulletin insert offers insights from Catholic Social Teaching on migrants, refugees, and the elections. It includes recent statistics and reflections from Catholic Social Teaching. Additionally,...

U.S. Catholic Bishops: Five Principles to Guide Immigration Policy

Reflection
The U.S. Catholic Bishops have identified five principles that should act as a guide for policymakers in creating immigration reform legislation. This resource describes these principles and also...

Kino Community Conversation

Reflection
Reflect on the opportunity of radical welcome through the lens of individuals engaged in work through Kino Border Initiative located in Nogales, Sonora, México.  This resource is centered around...

Prayer for the Epiphany 2021

Prayer
This prayer for Epiphany invites us to open our longing hearts to the Holy Family and to recognize today's migrants as holy families. May the light of Epiphany bless us with a vision of a just and...

Migrant Workers' Rights and COVID-19

Reflection
During COVID19, there has been a great deal of talk regarding essential workers. In many ways, the virus has reminded us of those workers we frequently forget or outright ignore. Learn how COVID-19...

Video: The Holy Family's Migration Journey

Video
This guided imaginative prayer invites you to enter into the nativity story from the perspective of the Holy Family and their migration journey. Explore how this 2,000-year-old story ties to issues...

100 Days of Prayer: November 24-30

Litany
Created by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, 100 Days of Prayer provides daily prayer intentions related to social justice issues and for the most vulnerable members of society. Use the prayers in...

Migrant and Refugee Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet & Handout
Terminology around migration is often confusing. This fact sheet explains the important nuances between terms such as migrants, forcibly displaced people, refugees, internally displaced persons, and...