On the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, reflects on Jesus’ words: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” He recalls that many children in the Vicariate grow up far from their families’ countries of origin, within communities of many languages, cultures, and traditions. He invites parishes to be “homes of faith, where children and young people may experience that they are welcomed, valued, accompanied, and loved.”

Dear brothers and sisters,
The theme of this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees is inspired by Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me”.

The Lord calls us to welcome every child in His name, reminding us that in doing so we welcome Christ Himself.  Jesus identifies with the little ones, praising their simplicity, trust, and openness of heart. He himself was the Child who entrusted himself completely to the Father’s love.

These words speak very directly to our Church in Southern Arabia. We are all migrants, and our children grow up far from the countries of origin of their families, within communities marked by many languages, cultures, and traditions. They need stable points of reference. Above all, they need the assurance that they are loved. 

This is why it is so important to support their families and build communities that welcome them, places where they can discover that they are loved by God and called by name.

Our parishes are called to be homes of faith where children and young people can grow in friendship with Jesus and in belonging to the Church.  The celebration of the Eucharist, catechesis, prayer, youth gatherings, and parish activities are ways through which the Church helps children and young people experience that they are welcomed, valued, accompanied, and loved.

I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who serve children and young people in our Vicariate and help them grow in faith. Let us ask the Lord to make our communities places where no child feels alone or forgotten, and where every child may encounter the tenderness of God’s love.

In welcoming even one of these children in His name, we welcome Christ Himself. May Our Lady, Solace of Migrants, accompany all migrant families and watch with maternal care over the children and young people of our Vicariate.