Pray with us for refugees and migrants.
Pope Leo XIV has spoken about the importance of welcoming migrants.
God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.
The psalm reminds us of God’s constant care even in the most difficult of times. These are perhaps words that sustained St. Patrick, whose feast we celebrate today.
Torn away from his family and sold into slavery in Ireland, young Patrick was no doubt distressed and afraid. In the opening lines of his Confession, he describes how he and others were “scattered among many nations”.
Conflict, persecution, the climate crisis and poverty force millions of people in our world from their homes, scattering them among the nations. Rather than finding welcome and safety, they are often greeted with mistrust and rejection.
Pope Leo XIV says that walking alongside migrants should be at the heart of the Church’s mission: “The Church, like a mother, accompanies those who are walking. Where the world sees threats, she sees children; where walls are built, she builds bridges… She knows that in every rejected migrant, it is Christ himself who knocks at the door of the community.” (Dilexi te #75)
St Patrick looked to God, trusting the Christ to be his refuge and strength. As we seek to trust in God’s presence and care, may we open our hearts to all those who long for a safe home where they and their children can live in dignity and peace.
Prayer
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
(From St Patrick’s Breastplate)
Act
Hold all migrants and refugees in your prayers today.