In his August 2022 letter to the cardinal, archbishops, bishops, monsignors, priests, religious, deacons and all people of God, the SACBC Liaison Bishop, Bishop Joseph Kizito, concerning the commemoration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees to be celebrated on the 25th September 2022 that:

Pope Francis confirmed that the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) will be celebrated always on the last Sunday of September. The Holy Father has selected “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” as the theme for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees for 2022.

The SACBC Migrants and Refugees Office has prepared a “Liturgy Kit” which will be sent to all Bishops and Coordinators of the dioceses so that it may be distributed to all parish pastoral councils, sodalities and communities.

“Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees” is a motivation for us to see Christ in each person that it is on the move and is building a better future. God is present in each one of them and manifests himself in their faces (cf.Mt 25: 31-46). Our humanity and faith does not allow us to be indifferent to our neighbour. We are concerned about their well-being and implore the host countries to be inclusive in responding to the socio-economic needs, especially to the vulnerable people. We particularly ask the human family to exercise the four verbs of Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting and Integrating them into our communities.

Let us keep each one of the migrants, refugees, forcibly displaced people, asylum seekers and the host communities in our prayers. We also pray and acknowledge to all dioceses that are making a difference in giving opportunities for migrants and refugees to build their lives within their host countries.

+ Joseph Kizito

Below is Bishop Kizito’s reflection on for the occasion of the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees