Recognizing Migrants as “Missionaries of Hope”

WASHINGTON – The Catholic Church in the United States will observe National Migration Week from September 22 to 28. This year, as the Universal Church marks its jubilee year, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be observed on October 4–5, coinciding with the Jubilee of Migrants.* 

For 45 years, the U.S. Catholic Church has celebrated National Migration Week by reflecting on its history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which the country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. It is also an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, both in the United States and beyond, and to express solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy. Pope Francis had chosen “Migrants, missionaries of hope” as the theme for this year’s commemoration, underscoring a key hallmark of his pontificate and in recognition of the courage and resilience of migrants and refugees who bear daily witness to hope despite hardship.  

The U.S. bishops have consistently expressed solidarity with immigrants amid the fear and anxiety prompted by current immigration enforcement efforts. The bishops have called for, and continue to press for, “a more humane system of immigration, one that protects our communities while safeguarding the dignity of all.” This includes encouraging bipartisan collaboration among policymakers. 

In his message for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV has continued to emphasize the dignity of migrants, saying, “In a world darkened by war and injustice, even when all seems lost, migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.” 

National Migration Week invites Catholics across the country to reflect on how hope can shape and inform our collective response to migration. Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, and organizations nationwide are encouraged to mark this observance with prayer services, educational programs, community outreach, and support for migration-related ministries. The Justice for Immigrants website offers a comprehensive 2025 National Migration Week toolkit, including resources to help communities prepare spiritually and pastorally. 

*Typically, NMW culminates in the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on the last Sunday in September. 

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