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.

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Prayer for Migrants

Prayer
As we commemorate International Migrants Day on December 18, we pray that all migrants be blessed with the security of a home and a welcoming community.  

Signs of Our Times: Bringing Comfort and Relief to the Suffering People of Our World

This litany remembers all who are torn away from their homes and their families by war, violence, greed, and natural disasters.  

Prayer for Dreamers

Prayer
We pray for all the young people impacted by DACA, for those who need to open their hearts to them, and we pray finally for ourselves, that we may be a voice for the dispossessed. 
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The Feast of the Visitation: Immigrant Journeys

Reflection
The young, pregnant Mary took risk to visit her cousin, and soon took greater risk with her husband and newborn child, becoming refugees in order to protect the son of God. We mark this feast by...

Prayer to Mary for Immigrant Children on the Feast of the Visitation

Prayer
This prayer remembers the journeys of Mary and immigrant children, and asks Mary to guide the Church’s efforts to reform immigration policy.
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Never Again! Refusing to be People of Indifference (English and Spanish)

Prayer
This prayer of action calls on each of us to see God in immigrants, refugees, and orphans, our sisters and brothers.

A Gospel Call: Becoming a Sanctuary People in Today's World (English and Spanish)

Prayer
This prayer cries out, "Injustice, exclusion, bigotry, never again! Not this time! Amen."
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Prayer of Accompaniment

Prayer
This prayer, taken from EFJ’s Prayer Service on Pope Francis’s Message for the 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, stirs us into action to help the millions of refugees around the world...

Standing on Holy Ground: Responding to the Call for Sanctuary

Reflection
Creative Voice Scott Wright explains the history of the Sanctuary Movement in the United States during the 1980s, and what we are called to do today for immigrants, migrants, and refugees. In...

Sanctuary Prayer (English and Spanish)

Prayer
This prayer, offered in both English and Spanish, is a timely reflection on the growing sanctuary movement, which seeks to protect migrants and refugees from deportation and reminds us of God’s...
This town filled with tents and people rejoicing through God's love. Rejoice as your reflect on the feast of epiphany.

Feast of the Epiphany [a] January 8, 2017

Lectionary Reflection
Feast of the Epiphany [a] January 8, 2017 ADD DISCRIPTION

Celebrating Asian-Pacific American Leaders and Peacemakers

Prayer Service
This prayer service honors the Asian Americans who, over the past century, have been activists, artists, heroes, and persons for others.