PANJIM: His Eminence Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão has appealed to “priests and lay faithful to treat the migrants among us with respect, not seeing them as second-class citizens, but as equals working and celebrating together our Catholic way of life”.
Cardinal Ferrão said that the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman joins the Universal Church in celebrating the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, being celebrated on Saturday.
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While pointing out that Pope Francis chose the theme ‘Building the Future With Migrants and Refugees’, he said, “I wish to extend my blessings and good wishes to all our migrant brothers and sisters living in Goa and to all our Goan sisters and brothers living in other parts of India and in countries all over the world.”
Cardinal Ferrão also stated that “along with Pope Francis, I acknowledge that migrants and refugees have contributed towards the development of our society and Church communities”.
“Pope Francis invites us to make room for the Catholic migrants in our parishes and communities so that we may grow together as a Church. He reminds us about the diverse expressions of faith and devotions that serve as an opportunity for us to grow in our catholicity. Let us be cordial and welcoming towards them, foster a brotherly and friendly relationship with them and encourage them to participate without fear in the liturgical and other activities of our parishes,” he said.
