The migrant is Christ knocking at our door (Pope Francis).
As part of the mission plan and council, the Province of Fátima has been working since last April on a pastoral proposal designed around three provincial focuses: solidarity, the Word, and vocation.
Why a pastoral proposal?
The aim is to set out on a journey together, mobilizing ourselves from a concrete reality: migration.
Why focus on migration?
Migration, though it directly impacts parts of our Province, is a reality that affects us all.
This initiative has been structured in phases from April to December:
- Contextualization: Connecting the mission plan and its focuses to this pastoral action.
- Formation: Learning about the reality of migration through the three provincial focuses, including watching a testimonial video by José Antonio Benítez, CMF.
- Prayer: Contemplating the icon of the Holy Trinity and including prayers for the migratory realities in our Province.
- Reflection: Reflecting on how this impacts our communities and planning for the next year.
- Local Actions: Initiatives at the local level, including the Eight Claretian Days on Migration.
- Provincial Action: A significant joint initiative as the Province of Fátima.
- Evaluation and New Horizons: Gathering the fruits of this experience and planning future steps.
Recently, we have lived through the implementation of local actions. Below are some reflections from various communities:
“At Colégio Internato dos Carvalhos (CIC), embracing the challenge set forth by the Province of Fátima and considering the Mission Plan, we organized the Intercultural Week with activities aimed at the school community. These activities sought to raise awareness about migration and interculturality, encourage reflection on beliefs and attitudes, foster a spirit of openness, tolerance, respect, and hospitality, all in the light of Jesus Christ, and promote awareness of our school as a community that welcomes and integrates diverse cultures.
During this week, we held sessions with all 44 classes on these themes, engaged in conversations with migrants, gathered testimonies from migrant students, hosted exhibitions, carried out academic projects on migration, initiated an exchange program with other countries on inclusion and diversity, introduced intercultural menus, and much more.
The feedback received was one of gratitude and openness. It was deemed important to continue this work and to foster moments of reflection where everyone can grow as individuals.”
Ana Sofia Viana
“What we have done is not merely a call to action; it is a desperate cry for humanity, an invitation to recognize that the fight for migrant rights is ultimately a fight for our own dignity.
Human dignity is the foundation upon which just and equitable societies are built.
We cannot remain silent in the face of the injustices migrants endure”.
Fr. José Antonio Benítez, CMF
