Fr Avelino Chico SJ, Office Head at the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, has called for greater involvement of local clergy in the Catholic Church’s pastoral ministry to migrants and refugees in South Africa.

The Angolan Jesuit made the call during a visit to South Africa, where he met diocesan coordinators for migrants and refugees and visited Catholic initiatives serving people on the move in Johannesburg and Durban.

‘Involve more and more the local clergy’

Reflecting on his meeting with diocesan coordinators, Fr Chico said he was encouraged by their commitment to serving migrants and refugees, despite the challenges they encounter.

Fr Chico told the communication office of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) that “It was an opportunity to listen to what they are doing, their work, their joy, but also their frustration.”

“What I saw from them is the desire to serve and to continue serving these people.”

However, he identified greater involvement of local clergy as an area that could strengthen the Church’s response.

“What probably I think that could be improved … is to involve more and more the local clergy,” he said, noting that the number of local clergy at the meeting of diocesan coordinators was very small.

Building bridges between communities

Fr Chico also highlighted the importance of South Africans working alongside migrants and refugees in the Church’s pastoral ministry.

“If we want to change the narrative about people on the move, what we need is to put together those people from the original country and those of us from the destination country,” he said.

He also praised the involvement of bishops and religious, as well as collaboration between diocesan structures and religious congregations, particularly the Scalabrinians.

“Since we are serving the same people, we don’t need to fight over the same people,” he said, stressing the importance of cooperation and referring people to services according to their needs.

Healthcare as a response to need

During his visit, Fr Chico visited St Charles Clinic, where he saw first-hand the Church’s response to the healthcare needs of migrants and refugees.

He noted that the clinic is located in an area with many migrants and refugees and provides healthcare not only to them but also to local residents.

“I think this is very, very positive because you sought what was most needed for the migrants, which was access to health,” he said, also praising the volunteers who support the clinic.

‘Please don’t give up’

As the Church marked the World Day for Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 27 September, Fr Chico assured those involved in migrant ministry of the Dicastery’s support.

“Be assured of the accompaniment and the support of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development,” he said.

“You are already doing a great job, a great work, and people recognise it. Please don’t give up. Go forward.”