National Migration Week (NMW) is an annual observance by the Catholic Church in the United States, which takes place this year from Sept. 21- 27. NMW is an opportunity to reflect on our history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which our country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. It is also an occasion 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. NMW culminates with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) on Sept. 27. Pope Leo’s message for WDMR (which can be read on page 2) revolves around the theme, “Even just one of these children.” Through this outreach Catholics are called to accompany migrants at all stages of their journey.
The Video Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino has brought to light some local migration stories of our fellow Catholic brothers and sisters in its new series, “Journeys of Hope.” Within this series, which can be viewed on the diocese’s YouTube channel @Sanbernardinodiocese, we hear testimony about migrating from different parts of the world to the United States, the struggles that caused their families to migrate and the struggles journeying to the United States. So far the series shares the impactful stories of Father Duong Nguyen, S.V.D., and his journey from Vietnam to the U.S. during the Vietnam War; Wilfredo Aguirre and his journey from Nicaragua as a very young child; and Marie Josette Letson and her struggle surviving political turmoil and severe poverty in Haiti to navigating a new life in a new country.
The “Journeys of Hope” video series premieres a new episode every two months. Please subscribe to receive notifications when a new episode is published.
Watch the "Journeys of Hope" video series, here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkh70Ts7bDd1pyz4U98_6yO-f57Gbfg9E&si=v6RPaO7YQXY-3ph2