Since 1914, the Church has invited us to celebrate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which provides an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on the situation confronting migrant populations, both internationally and domestically. This study guide will provide an opportunity to consider several key themes that have consistently emerged in migration day messages during the pontificates of Pope Saint John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis, and emphasize the significant continuity across papacies on the issue of migration. The themes covered in this study guide include reflections on family, accompaniment, evangelization, and “solidarity and shared responsibility”. We suggest that discussion groups address one theme per session. Given the importance of the migration question to the Church, these study sessions can be conducted at any point during the year for small groups who are interested in learning more about this topic and how the Church approaches it.
