Pray for migrants and refugees
Pray with us for refugees and migrants.
Leydi and her family have found welcome at a migrant care centre in Guatemala
Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife.
Joseph, concerned to learn that Mary is already with child, is prepared to divorce her quietly, until the angel of the Lord comes to him.
There are so many people today who are not welcomed into our communities, even though they come seeking sanctuary. They are treated with suspicion, because of where they come from, what has happened to them or the choices that they have made.
Leydi left Venezuela with her family because the economic and political crisis in the country meant they didn’t have enough to eat. They originally travelled to the United States but were refused entry and have now been living at a migrant care centre in Guatemala for five months.
This centre, supported by CAFOD, is a place where families like Leydi’s can feel welcome and safe. The centre provides food, medical care and education and supports them to cope with trauma endured during their long and dangerous journeys. People can also access legal guidance on immigration and asylum.
Miriam, who works at the centre, says it is “a place of hope, a new beginning, a new opportunity to rebuild their lives in the face of the difficulties they have encountered on their route north.”
She is inspired in her work by the strength, faith and resilience of the people she serves and the desire to build a better world.
Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees do not always receive a warm welcome in our world. Too often they are sent on their way. How do we show our compassion for others and welcome them into our homes and communities?
Advent prayer
Loving God,
may we be moved to act in compassion
so that all our sisters and brothers
who have been forced from their homes,
may receive a warm welcome
and have enough to eat.
Amen.
Act
Hold all migrants and refugees in your prayers today