Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Grace and peace I hope this note finds you well.

The 108th World Day of Migrant and Refugee will take place on Sunday, 25th September 2022 with the theme, ‘Building a Better Future with Migrants and Refugees’.

The Archdiocese of Adelaide is a beautiful example of the cultural diversity of the Catholic Church and is home to a multitude of Migrants and Refugees from all over the world. In the 21st Century, the mass global movement of people has become one of the most significant justice issues due to war and violence, climate change, economic instability, and human trafficking among other issues. World Migrant and Refugee Sunday is both a celebration of the gift of cultural diversity and a recognition of need to address the root causes of forced migration. 

Pope Francis challenges us to not only receive and support new arrivals to Australia, but to be co-constructors of the Kingdom of God with God and with migrants and refugees. 

“The presence of migrants and refugees represents a great challenge, but at the same time an immense opportunity for the cultural and spiritual growth of everyone. Thanks to them, we have the chance to know better our world and its beautiful diversity. We can grow in our common humanity and build together an ever greater sense of togetherness. Openness to one another creates spaces of fruitful exchange between different visions and traditions, and opens minds to new horizons. It also leads to a discovery of the richness present in other religions and forms of spirituality unfamiliar to us, and this helps us to deepen our own convictions.”
- Pope Francis, Message for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

This year we are encouraging all Parishes and Communities to celebrate Migrant and Refugee Sunday in a manner which reflects collaboration, inclusion, and mutuality. Included with this letter is a resource guide for the celebration of the day as well suggestions for long term commitments. 

The Archdiocesan celebration of World Migrant and Refugee Sunday will take place on Sunday, 25th September 2022 at St Francis Xavier Cathedral at 2:30pm with the annual Multicultural Mass. All are welcome to participate in the celebration. 

For more information about these resources and World Migrant and Refugee Sunday, contact Basia Gebski bgebski@adelaide.catholic.org.au and Tracey Tessitore ttessitore@adelaide.catholic.org.au in the Archdiocesan Multicultural Office.

In Domino,
Archbishop Patrick O'Regan