Welcoming, protecting and accompanying children and adolescents in mobility: 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
By Ruleyvis Brito, Communications Office of Centro Montalvo
Dajabón, Dominican Republic. – The Latin American and Caribbean Ecclesial Network on Migration, Displacement, Refuge and Human Trafficking (CLAMOR Network), of which the Father Juan Montalvo Social Reflection and Action Center (Montalvo Center) and the Jesuit Service for Migrants of the Dominican Republic (SJM-RD) are part of, organized a mass in the Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Dajabón, on the occasion of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
The celebration, inspired by the motto «Even one of these little ones» and the biblical quote «Whoever welcomes one of these little ones in my name welcomes me» (Mt 18:5), put the dignity, protection, and rights of migrant children and adolescents at the center.
The Eucharist was presided over by Fr Osvaldo Concepción, SJ, director of the Montalvo Center in the Dominican Republic, who, during the homily, emphasized that «justice is the manifestation of God in the midst of the world.» In the light of the Gospel of the day (Mt 21, 28-32), he recalled that the Christian faith is not limited to words but requires concrete actions in favor of justice, human dignity, and those who are in a situation of greater vulnerability.
The liturgy invited the community to open their hearts to those who leave their land in search of hope, peace, and a dignified life. In a special way, the prayer of the faithful asked for the Church, the authorities, the people forced to migrate, pastoral agents, and those who support the initiatives of the CLAMOR Network, so that they promote public policies of local development and integration and be signs of prophetic hope on the borders.
During the offering, a backpack, sandals, a hat, a bottle of water, an image of the Virgin of the Altagracia with a rosary, bread and wine were presented. These signs evoked the journey, the fatigue, the need for protection, access to basic conditions for life, faith and hope for so many children, girls and families who are going through migration processes.
At the conclusion of the Mass, representatives of various religious communities participated in a discussion on Pope Leo XIV’s message for this day. The dialogue called for overcoming a view of migration that is reduced to numbers and flows, and responding with welcome, protection, and integration in the face of situations of violence, family separation, trafficking, exploitation, and displacement that affect numerous minors on the move.
The participants reflected on the reality of the children of migrant people in the country and reaffirmed their commitment to accompany and welcome, as a priority, those who face greater conditions of vulnerability. The day concluded with a prayer that migrant people may find a land that nourishes them, without exploitation or loss of identity, and that communities may welcome them with faith, solidarity, justice and peace.
