Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees

This week I visited the Beaney Museum, here in Canterbury, to see the ‘Lives in Motion’ exhibition before it finishes on Sunday; it is a touring exhibition organised by the National Portrait Gallery. A fascinating array of people were featured: fifty-one stories, dating from the 11th century through to the present day, exploring the experiences and contributions of people who have moved to Britain and made it their permanent or temporary home.  I think that this exhibition is very timely for me, as it helps me see what a wonderful contribution migrants have made to this country.

This weekend (4–5 October 2025) the Church will celebrate the Jubilee of Migrants and of Missions in Rome, in the presence of Pope Leo XIV. There are two days of encounters, activities and prayers which will honour our brothers and sisters on the move. The same weekend, as part of the Jubilee of Migrants, the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) will be celebrated with the theme Migrants, missionaries of hope which has been chosen by the Holy Father.

This is especially important when there is so much concern and debate on what should be our Christian response to all those finding their way to our shores. As Bishop Paul McAleenan says:

Those who have made their way here have done so in desperation – motivated by their desperate plight. That desperation is combined with a longing for a better life. Anyone who has encountered refugees and migrants can confirm that ‘hope’ is present. Hostility and prejudice towards migrants and refugees, whatever its source – whether it is spoken or indicated in another way – must not make us lose hope or harden our hearts. It is our obligation to try and understand why migrants appear among us; our duty is to care for those who seek refuge in our country.

In his message Pope Leo XIV reminds us that — in a world wounded by war, injustice and climate crises —  migrants, refugees and displaced persons are privileged witnesses of hope. They demonstrate this each day ‘through their resilience and trust in God, as they face adversity while seeking a future in which they glimpse that integral human development and happiness are possible.’

The Pope also recognises migrants as missionaries of hope, since they can help to revitalise the spirituality of those who welcome them. At the same time, communities that receive migrants can themselves become witnesses of hope, by ‘recognising migrants as brothers and sisters, part of a family in which they can express their talents and participate fully in community life.’

Here is the challenge for us. In a world that is turning away from refugees, let us not be afraid to be different and to make a difference. Am I prepared to make a choice to stand with refugees and build inclusive communities?

Portsmouth diocese have published a very helpful resource for the Jubilee of migrants and refugees.