Missionaries of the Sacred

Most of us are aware of the tragic drowning of over 200 migrants off the coast of Libya in March. These  persons  were   seeking a better life in Europe from the one they had in Africa.

The drowning incident is but one more story added to the world debate about migrant peoples. The migration of people is increasing on both the international and national levels. Most move to escape unbearable conditions ravaged by wars, environmental changes,    national disasters, political upheavals, social injustices, persecution, discrimination, human trafficking or because of economic disparities where the poor have insufficient employment, income, food, clothing and shelter for survival. In recent decades, migration has “turned into a structural reality of contemporary society. It is becoming an increasingly complex problem from the social, cultural, political, religious economic and pastoral points of view.¹ International migration is larger than domestic    migration. Presently there are about 200 million people living outside their country of origin. This represents 3% of the world population. Some countries have up to 20-30% emigration.² Most migrants are displaced and divided families, women and those groups entering without legal assistance. Public opinion in the United States remains largely divided on the issue of migration. On the one hand there are those who believe the United States should welcome immigrants and grant them legal status. They believe a good number of migrants enter the country to seek an honest living and a decent quality of life. On the other hand, many oppose the acceptance of migrants from their fear of criminal activities such as terrorism, drug trafficking, taking jobs away from citizens and having prejudice towards those from a different country and culture.

These present realities are a challenging moment for us to readily fulfill our vocation as Christians. It is one more sign of the times to respond to the migration crisis in light of Jesus’ Good News of salvation. Indeed, “Christian love is, by its very nature is prevenient. This is why single believers are called to open their arms and their hearts to every person from whatever nation they come. . .”³