st john the baptist province newsletter · jaén, peru. he is assigned to our province so we thank...

2017

StJohntheBaptistProvinceNewsletter

January - February Oak Park IL March 17, 2017

546 North East Avenue – Oak Park IL 60302 Page 3 546 North East Avenue – Oak Park IL 60302 Page 1


Dear Confreres: As we journey towards Easter I encourage you to prepare well the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter for the people you are called to serve and to take those moments as a time of grace for yourselves. Estimados cohermanos: Mientras nos encaminamos rumbo a Pascua los invito a preparar bien las celebraciones de la semana santa y Pascua para las personas a nosotros confiadas bien como tomemos este momento como tiempo de gracia para nosotros mismos. WELCOME TO THE PROVINCE - BIENVENIDOS A LA PROVINCIA Three young men assigned to St. John the Baptist Province were ordained to the priesthood in early 2017.

Fr. Yosef Albertman Sadipun, cs, was ordained January 27, 2017 in Indonesia.

Fr. José Percy Cervera Araujo, cs was ordained in February 4, 2017 in Peru.

Fr. Félière Louis, cs was ordained in February 25, 2017 in Haiti.

Deac. Henri-Claude Testamar, cs, from Haiti, completing his theological studies in Rome, will be ordained to the priesthood on July 22, 2017 in Haiti. He is assigned to St. John the Baptist Province.

Deac. Toan Nguyen Minh, cs, from Viet Nam, who completed his theological studies in the Philippines, will be ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 2017. He is assigned to St. John the Baptist Province.

ORDINATIONSFr. Yosef Albertman Sadipun, cswas ordained to the priesthood on January 27, 2017 in the Parish of XXX. Yosef was born in Kupang, Timor, Indonesia. He is assigned to our province so we thank God for the great blessing that He gives us each day. We continue to ask through the intercession of Blessed Scalabrini to help and call more people to this apostolic service among our Migrants brothers. Congratulations and many blessings to Fr. Yosef Sadipun.

Padre Yosef Albertman Sadipun, cs fue ordenado sacerdote el día 27 de enero de 2017 en la parroquia de XXX en. Yosef nació en Kupang, Timor, Indonesia. Está asignado a nuestra provincia y por esto damos gracias a Dios por las bendiciones que nos brinda todos los días y seguimos pidiendo por la intercesión del Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini que siga llamando a más jóvenes al servicio apostólico a los migrantes. Muchas felicidades y bendiciones a Yosef y su familia.

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Fr. José Percy Cervera Araujo, cswas ordained to the priesthood on February 4, 2017 in the Cathedral of Jaén, Señor de Humantanga. José Percy was born in Santa Rosa, Jaén, Peru. He is assigned to our province so we thank God for the great blessing that He gives us each day. We continue to ask through the intercession of Blessed Scalabrini to help and call more people to this apostolic service among our Migrants brothers. Congratulations and many blessings to Fr. José Percy and his family.

Padre José Percy Cervera Araujo, cs fue ordenado sacerdote el día 4 de febrero de 2017 en la Catedral de Jaén, Señor de Humantanga. José Percy nació en Santa Rosa, Jaén, Perú. Está asignado a nuestra provincia y por esto damos gracias a Dios por las bendiciones que nos brinda todos los días y seguimos pidiendo por la intercesión del Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini que siga llamando a más jóvenes al servicio apostólico a los migrantes. Muchas felicidades y bendiciones a José Percy y su familia.



Fr. Félière Louis, cswas ordained to the priesthood on February 25, 2017 in the Parish of Notre Dame de l’Assomption. Félière was born in Petit-Guâve, Haiti. He is assigned to our province so we thank God for the great blessing that He gives us each day. We continue to ask through the intercession of Blessed Scalabrini to help and call more people to this apostolic service among our Migrants brothers. Congratulations and many blessings to Fr. Félière and his family.

Padre Félière Louis, cs fue ordenado sacerdote el día 25 de febrero de 2017 en la parroquia de Notre Dame de l’Assomption. Félière nació en Petit-Guâve, Haiti. Está asignado a nuestra provincia y por esto damos gracias a Dios por las bendiciones que nos brinda todos los días y seguimos pidiendo por la intercesión del Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini que siga llamando a más jóvenes al servicio apostólico a los migrantes. Muchas felicidades y bendiciones a Félière y su familia.



INTERPROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY

2017

TOGETHER IN ATLANTA January 11, 2017

Dear Confreres:

May the Lord fill you with blessings of peace in your ministry in service to God’s migrant people.

We would like to extend this official invitation to each member of our provinces to come to the Interprovincial Assembly, which will be held

May 1-5, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center, 462 Sonrise Way, Toccoa, GA 30577

Local Contacts: Fr. Jacques Fabre (cell.: 1-706-247-4554) and Fr. Victor Cordova (cell.: 1-404-376-7454)

Please make your travel arrangements and reserve your flight tickets as soon as possible to

be in Atlanta from Monday, May 1 to Friday, May 5, 2017. Airport: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Due to the heavy traffic in Atlanta, please reserve your flights to arrive and depart between 10:00am and 3:00 pm, if possible.

Please inform us of your flight details by March 31, 2017, so airport pick up may be arranged.

Please return the registration form and transportation form to the Provincial Office as soon as possible. You may send it by mail to 546 N East Ave, Oak Park IL 60302; by email to [email protected]; or fax 1-708-386-4457.

The schedule and other details will be sent to you in the near future.

Let us pray that the Lord may continue to bless the Provinces of St. Charles Borromeo and St. John Baptist with many vocations.

In Christ,

Fr. Moacir Balen, c.s. Fr. Clair Orso, c.s. Provincial Superior Provincial Superior Province St. Charles Borromeo Province St. John the Baptist



ASSAMBLEA INTERPROVINCIAL

2017

JUNTOS EN ATLANTA

11 de enero 2017

Estimados Co-hermanos,

Que el Señor derrame bendiciones de paz sobre su ministerio al servicio del pueblo migrante de Dios.

Por este medio extendemos a cada uno de ustedes la invitación oficial para participar de la Asamblea Interprovincial que se realizará de

1 a 5 de mayo de 2017, en Atlanta, Georgia Dirección: Georgia Baptist Conference Center, 462 Sonrise Way, Toccoa, GA 30577

Contactos: P. Jacques Fabre (tel: 1-706-247-4554) y P. Víctor Córdova (tel: 1-404-376-7454)

Pedimos que reserven su boleto para estar en Atlanta el día 1 de mayo hasta el día 5 de mayo de 2017. Aeropuerto: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Debido al tráfico en Atlanta, si es posible, intente llegar y salir entre 10:00 am y 3:00 pm.

Por favor envíen a la oficina provincial el itinerario de su vuelo (horario de llegada y de salida) antes del día 31 de marzo para que podamos organizar la transportación del aeropuerto al local de la asamblea.

Pedimos también que llenen el formulario de inscripción y lo envíen lo más pronto posible a la oficina provincial. Por correo normal, la dirección es 546 N East Ave, Oak Park IL 60302; por correo electrónico, la dirección es [email protected]; o por fax # 1-708-386-4457.

El horario de la asamblea y otros detalles serán enviados a la brevedad.

Pidamos que el Señor siga bendiciendo las Provincias de San Carlos Borromeo y de San Juan Bautista con muchas vocaciones.

En Cristo,

P. Moacir Balen, c.s. P. Clair Orso, c.s. Superior Provincial Superior Provincial Provincia San Carlos Borromeo Provincia San Juan Bautista


Province St. Charles Borromeo and Province St. John the Baptist

Interprovincial Assembly 2017

Monday, May 1, 2017 to Friday, May 5, 2017 at the Georgia Baptist Conference Center, 462 Sonrise Way, Toccoa, GA 30577

CONSECRATED FOR MISSION CONSAGRADOS PARA LA MISIÓN

Contact persons: Fr. Jacques Fabre, cs (E-mail: [email protected] / Cell: 706-247-4554) Fr. Víctor Córdova, cs (E-mail: [email protected] / Cell: 404-376-7454) Mission San Felipe de Jesus: 925 Conley Rd., Forest Park, GA, 30297 Tel: 404-675-0540 Interprovincial Organizing Committee: Fr. Edison Osorio, cs Fr. Jacques Fabre, cs Fr. Carmelo Hernandez, cs Fr. Víctor Córdova, cs Translations: Fr. Leandro Fossá, cs Fr. Maurizio Maifredi, cs

Please bring alb and white stole for the celebrations

Por favor, traiga el alba y estola blanca para las celebraciones

SCHEDULE/HORARIO

Atlanta, Georgia, Lunes 01 de mayo a Viernes 5 de mayo, 2017

Theme: “Consecrated for Mission” / Tema: “Consagrados para la Misión”

MONDAY-LUNES, 1 MAYO/MAY

TIME/HORARIO ACTIVITY ACTIVIDAD

Afternoon Arrival and accommodation Llegada y acomodación

18:00 Light Dinner

Social Time Cena

Tiempo de Fraternidad

TUESDAY-MARTES, 2 MAYO/MAY (Chairman: Fr. Carmelo; Secretary: Fr. Armando G.; Translator: Fr. Leandro F.)


7:00 Eucharistic Celebration (Newly Arrived Priests in Provinces)

Celebración Eucarística (Nuevos Sacerdotes en Provincias)

8:00 Breakfast Desayuno

9:00

Welcoming remarks by the Provincials

First Session: Migration Reality in USA by Donald Kerwin (Center for

Migration Studies, New York)

Bienvenida por parte de los Provinciales.

Primera Sesión: Realidad Migratoria en USA, por Donald Kerwin (Center

for Migration Studies, New York)

10:30 Coffee Break Descanso / Café

11:00 Second Session: General Administration (Fr. Luis Antonio Díaz)

Segunda Sesión: Dirección General (P. Luis Antonio Díaz)

12:00 Lunch Almuerzo

14:30 Midday Prayer Oración de la Tarde

14:45 Third Session: Interprovincial Directory

Tercera Sesión: Directorio Interprovincial


16:30 Fourth Session: Interprovincial Directory

Cuarta Sesión: Directorio Interprovincial

18:00 Dinner Cena

19:00 Social Time Tiempo de Fraternidad

WEDNESDAY – MIÉRCOLES, 3 MAYO/MAY (Chairman: Fr. Carlos Anklan; Secretary: Fr. Ramiro S. Chan; Translator: Fr. Maurizio M.)


7:30 Morning Prayer Oración de la Mañana


9:00 Fifth Session: Reality of Scalabrinian Parishes

Quinta Sesión: Realidad de las parroquias Scalabrinianas


11:00 Sixth Session: Reality of Scalabrinian Parishes (continuation)

Sexta Sesión: Realidad de las parroquias Scalabrinianas

(continuación)

12:00 Lunch

Departure for Tour of Atlanta

Almuerzo

Salida para visitar Atlanta

Afternoon Tour of Atlanta Visita a Atlanta

18:00

Eucharistic Celebration, at Mission San Felipe de Jesús, presided by

Most Rev. Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Atlanta

Celebración Eucarística, en la Misión San Felipe de Jesús,

presidida por Mons. Wilton D. Gregory, Arzobispo de Atlanta

19:00 Dinner

Return

Cena

Regreso

THURSDAY – JUEVES, 4 MAYO/MAY


7:00 Eucharistic Celebration (presided by the Jubilarians)

Celebración Eucarística (presididas por los Aniversariantes)


9:00 Meetings of Individual Provinces Reunión por Provincias

12:00 Lunch Almuerzo

14:30 Midday Prayer Oración de la Tarde

14:45 Continuation of meetings of Individual Provinces

Continuación de la reunión por Provincias

18:00 Dinner Cena

19:00 Social Time Tiempo de Fraternidad

FRIDAY – VIERNES, 5 MAYO/MAY

Breakfast and Departure / Desayuno y Salida

NOTE: Liturgy: Fr. Leandro F. and Fr. Heitor C.

Liturgia: P. Leando F. y P. Heitor C. Logistics and technical support: Confreres from Atlanta: Fr. Jacques F. & Fr. Víctor C.; Miss Vanessa R. and Mrs. Peggy M.

Logística y soporte técnico: Cohermanos de Atlanta: P. Jacques F. y P. Víctor C.; Srita. Vanessa R. y Sra. Peggy M.



INTERPROVINCIAL MEETING OF YOUNG RELIGIOUS ‐ SYRM 2017

January 13, 2017 Dear confreres,

Best wishes for your life and your ministry. The 2017 SYRM of our provinces will take place soon in

Vancouver, BC, Canada. We are working to prepare all that is needed for this meeting in the best

possible way. Therefore, we would like to inform you of some logistics:

Mejores deseos en su vida y en su ministerio. El encuentro de los Religiosos jovenes de nuestras

provincias está por realizarse en Canada, Vancouver – BC. Estamos preparando todo para que el

encuentro se realice de de la mejor manera posible. Por eso necesitamos comunicarles algunos

asuntos prácticos :

– The meeting will take place June 19 to June 24, 2017 at the Ramada Hotel Coquitlam 631

Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, BC, Canada V3K 3S5, Tel + 1 604 931 4433.

El encuentro se llevará a cabo 19 de junio a 24 de junio 2017 en el Ramada Hotel Coquitlam, 631

Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam, BC, Canada V3K 3S5 tel + 1 604 931 4433

– The fee per person for the meeting is $ 600 US dollars. The payment may be made on the first

day of the meeting.

El costo del encuentro por persona es de $ 600 US dolares. El pago deberá ser hecho el primer dia del

encuentro.

– The theme of the meeting is: Fraternity in Religious Life: Membership and Stewardship.

El tema del encuentro es “Fraternidad en la Vida Religiosa : Pertenencia y Corresponsabilidad. 4

– We ask you please to confirm your participation and your flight details by April 15th or before, so

we can organize the arrivals and departures. If there are any special needs, please let us know, so

that we can take necessary measures.

Les pedimos confirmar su participación y detalles de su viaje a partir del 15 de Abril or antes para

poder organizar los horarios de llegadas y de salidas. Por favor si hay alguna situación especial

háganos los aber para poder tomar las providencias necesarias.

Dear brothers, we thank you in advance for your response and look forward to welcoming you in

Vancouver to share this moment together.

Les agradecemos su respuesta y esperamos con alegria poderlos recibir en Vancouver para

compartir juntos estos momento de convivencia.

We will be awaiting your phone calls and emails with your confirmation and flight details: Fr.

Rosemond Sylvestre: St. Helen’s parish 3871 Pandora St. Burnaby, BC. Cell phone: + 1 604 338

5536 Tel. + 1 604 298 4144 email [email protected]

Fr. Pierre Vertus: Our Lady of Sorrows ‘ Parish 555 Slocan St. Vancouver – Cell Phone + 1 778 998

0570 Tel + 1 604 254‐0691 Email [email protected] Kindly, Fr. Rosemond Sylvestre, Fr. Pierre Vertus and Fr. Leonardo Rocha



AROUND THE PROVINCE DESDE NUESTRA PROVINCIA

NEW MISSIONARY ASSIGNMENTS Querubin Pelayo, cs has been assigned as Assistant Director of Casa del Migrante in Nuevo Laredo, Tamps., Mexico effective January 2, 2017. Fr. Ernesto Esqueda, cs has been assigned In Residence at St. Peter’s Church in Los Angeles CA effective January 15, 2017. Fr. Juan Francisco Aguiar, cs has been assigned Associate Pastor of St. Leo the Great Church in Houston TX effective February 28, 2017. Fr. Yosef Sadipun, cs has been assigned Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Melrose Park IL 60160 effective upon his arrival in the U.S. Fr. José Percy Cervera, cs has been assigned In Residence at Scalabrini House of Discernment in Sun Valley CA to study English effective upon his arrival in the U.S. Fr. Félière Louis, cs has been assigned In Residence at Scalabrini House of Discernment in Sun Valley CA to study English effective upon his arrival in the U.S. TIROCINIO We have three Vietnamese students who will be doing their Tirocinio in our Province this year. Tin Dang, cs, studying Theology in Bogotá, has arrived recently to spend his year at St. Leo the Great Church in Houston TX. Khan Vu, cs, studying Theology in Bogotá has arrived recently to spend his year at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Melrose Park IL. Hap Tran, cs, studying Theology in the Philippines will arrive later this year to spend a year at St. Leo the Great Church in Houston TX.



FR. MARIO RAUZI BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION On January 21st, the confreres of Scalabrini Retirement House and guests celebrated Fr. Mario’s 96th Birthday. Congratulations to Fr. Mario and many wishes for good health as he nears his centennial.



Oak Park IL, March 10, 2017

To all Religious Province of St. John the Baptist Missionaries of St. Charles / Scalabrinians

Dear Confreres:

I wish you all good in your missionary experience. By means of this letter, in accordance with Rules of Life #256, I officially promulgate the Canonical Visitation of the Province which I will be making from March until June 2017. “The Regional or Provincial Superior shall make the canonical visitation of his Region or Province once during his three-year term of office, in accordance with the Regional or Provincial Directory’s guidelines.” In accordance with our Interprovincial directory numbers 38, 39 and 40:

38. The Provincial Superior must make a canonical visitation of the province (RL #256) at least once during his term of office. The religious prepare themselves for the visitation by meeting under the guidance of the Local Superior to discuss concerns, plans and expectations for the future.

39. The Provincial Superior sends to the Local Superior(s) of the region or house, a report on the canonical visitation, which serves as stimulus for community reflection and discussion.

40. In each region of the province, at the termination of the canonical visitation, the Provincial Superior meets with all the religious of that region.

I will be contacting the Local Religious Superiors to set up the dates for visits to each local community.

Together with this letter I am sending you a questionnaire which may be helpful both in our individual dialogue and our community meetings. I would also like a short page history of the mission to which you are assigned – one per house.

In the time I will be spending in each house I will give priority to the individual and community meetings with the religious. The community meeting should be scheduled at the conclusion of the visit of each house. Within the time available, I will be happy to meet with the people whom you are serving.

I place this Visitation under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of St. John the Baptist and our Founder, Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini. Together we will reflect on our religious life and our mission, attentive to discern the will of the Lord in the reality of the migrants whom we are called to serve.

Looking forward to be with you, I remain,

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Clair Antonio Orso, cs Provincial Superior



Oak Park IL, 17 marzo 2017

A todos los religiosos Provincia San Juan Bautista Misioneros de San Carlos/Scalabrinianos

Estimados Cohermanos:

Les deseo bienestar en su misión. Por medio de las presentes letras y de acuerdo a las Reglas de Vida # 256, proclamo oficialmente la Visita Canónica a la Provincia, la cual tendrá lugar en los meses de marzo a junio 2017. “El Superior regional o provincial hará la visita canónica a la Región o Provincia una vez durante el trienio, según las modalidades previstas por el Directorio regional o provincial.”

Les recuerdo lo que indica nuestro Directorio Interprovincial en sus números 38, 39 y 40 en referencia a este momento tan importante para la vida de la provincia:

38. El superior provincial debe realizar una visita canónica a la provincial (RV #256) al menos una vez durante su mandato. Los religiosos se preparan para la visita a través de reuniones en donde, bajo la guía del superior local, se discuten los planes, problemas y expectativas de cara al futuro.

39. El superior provincial envía a los superiores locales de cada región o casa un informe sobre la visita canónica que estimula el debate y la reflexión entre la comunidad.

40. Después de finalizar la visita canónica, el superior provincial se reúne con cada uno de los religiosos de la provincial.

Me pondré de acuerdo con cada superior local para la fecha de la visita a la comunidad local.

Junto a esta carta les estoy enviando un cuestionario que puede servir de guía y ayudar tanto en el dialogo fraterno como en la junta con la comunidad local. Me gustaría que se preparara una página de la historia de la misión a la cual usted está asignado – una por casa.

Durante mi presencia en cada casa, daré prioridad al encuentro personal con cada religioso y a la junta con la comunidad local. La junta de la comunidad local debería de ser organizada como conclusión de la visita. Dependiendo del tiempo disponible, con gusto podre encontrar a la comunidad que ustedes están sirviendo.

Pongo esta visita bajo la protección de la Virgen María y de San Juan Bautista, bien como de nuestro fundador el Beato Juan Bautista Scalabrini. Juntos reflexionemos sobre nuestra vida religiosa y nuestra misión, buscando discernir la voluntad del Señor en la realidad de los migrantes a los cuales estamos llamados a servir.

Que el Señor nos de la gracia de encontrarnos pronto.

Sinceramente en Cristo,

Rev. Clair Antonio Orso, cs Superior Provincial

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TIME DOES FLY



BIRTHDAYS – CUMPLEAÑOS MARCH 03/05/69 - Ariel Durian 03/11/73 - Abraham Ochoa 03/15/52 - Charles Muscat 03/19/64 - Clair Orso 03/25/44 - Firmo Mantovani 03/27/73 - Fernando Cuevas APRIL 04/02/83 - Marcos Lopez 04/08/87 - José Percy Cervera 04/10/33 - Raniero Alessandrini 04/18/29 - Joseph Vicentini 04/19/35 - Augusto Feccia 04/28/72 - Ernesto Esqueda

ANNIVERSARIES - ANIVERSARIOS MARCH 03/10/07 Leandro Fossá 03/13/99 Alfredo Camarena 03/17/62 August Feccia 03/17/68 Antonio Muraro 03/18/67 Carlo Titotto 03/19/57 Lawrence Sabatini 03/25/72 Richard Bezzegato 03/25/72 Romano Cerantola APRIL 04/27/63 Nicholas Marro 04/27/63 Louis Gandolfi 04/30/05 Abraham Ochoa



IN MEMORIAM MARCH 1 - Francesco Mascetti 1920 2002 6 - Bro. John Larcher 1909 1968 7 - Rev. Ignatius Militello 1923 2012 10 - Rev. Antonio Cogo 1900 1982 12 - Bro. Gino Corradin 1922 2004 17 - Rev. Peter Rigo 1914 2003 22 - Rev. Ermete Nazzani 1934 2015 23 - Rev. Joseph D'Andrea 1868 1926 28 - Rev. Agostino Lovatin 1944 2010 30 - Rev. Rino Ziliotto 1919 2002 APRIL 10 - Rev. Italo Scola 1915 1994 15 - Rev. Ugo Cavicchi 1901 1984 17 - Rev. John Favero 1912 1984 17 - Rev. Antonio Bua 1911 2000 21 - Rev. Umberto Rizzi 1921 2014 22 - Rev. Giuseppe Rizzi 1897 1978 23 - Rev. Adolfo Nalin 1915 1988

ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS TO PARTICIPANTS IN THE SIMN VI INTERNATIONAL

FORUM ON "MIGRATION AND PEACE"

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, I extend to you my cordial greeting, with deep appreciation for your invaluable work. I thank Archbishop Tomasi for his kind words, as well as Doctor Pöttering for his address. I am also grateful for the three testimonies which reflect in a tangible way the theme of this Forum: “Integration and Development: From Reaction to Action”. In effect, it is not possible to view the present challenges of contemporary migratory movement and of the promotion of peace, without including the twofold term “development and integration”: for this very reason I wanted to establish the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, with a Section concerned exclusively for migrants, refugees and the victims of human trafficking. Migration, in its various forms, is not a new phenomenon in humanity’s history. It has left its mark on every age, encouraging encounter between peoples and the birth of new civilizations. In its essence, to migrate is the expression of that inherent desire for the happiness proper to every human being, a happiness that is to be sought and pursued. For us Christians, all human life is an itinerant journey towards our heavenly homeland. The beginning of this third millennium is very much characterized by migratory movement which, in terms of origin, transit and destination, involves nearly every part of the world. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases this movement is forced, caused by conflict, natural disasters, persecution, climate change, violence, extreme poverty and inhumane living conditions: “The sheer number of people migrating from one continent to another, or shifting places within their own countries and geographical areas, is striking. Contemporary movements of migration represent the largest movement of individuals, if not of peoples, in history” (Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 5 August 2013). Before this complex panorama, I feel the need to express particular concern for the forced nature of many contemporary migratory movements, which increases the challenges presented to the political community, to civil society and to the Church, and which amplifies the urgency for a coordinated and effective response to these challenges. Our shared response may be articulated by four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate. To welcome. “Rejection is an attitude we all share; it makes us see our neighbour not as a brother or sister to be accepted, but as unworthy of our attention, a rival, or someone to be bent to our will” (Address to the Diplomatic Corps, 12 January 2015). Faced with this kind of rejection, rooted ultimately in self‐centredness and amplified by populist rhetoric, what is needed is a change of attitude, to overcome indifference and to counter fears with a generous approach of welcoming those who knock at our doors. For those who flee conflicts and terrible persecutions, often trapped within the grip of criminal organisations who have no scruples, we need to open accessible and secure humanitarian channels. A responsible and dignified welcome of our brothers and sisters begins by offering them decent and appropriate shelter. The enormous gathering together of persons seeking asylum and of refugees has not produced positive results. Instead these gatherings have created new situations of vulnerability and hardship. More widespread programmes of welcome, already initiated in different places, seem to favour a personal encounter and allow for greater quality of service and increased guarantees of success. To protect. My predecessor, Pope Benedict, highlighted the fact that the migratory experience often makes people more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse and violence (cf. Benedict XVI, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 18 October 2005). We are speaking about millions of migrant workers, male and female – and among these particularly men and women in irregular situations – of those exiled and seeking asylum, and of those who are victims of trafficking. Defending their inalienable rights, ensuring their fundamental freedoms and

respecting their dignity are duties from which no one can be exempted. Protecting these brothers and sisters is a moral imperative which translates into adopting juridical instruments, both international and national, that must be clear and relevant; implementing just and far reaching political choices; prioritising constructive processes, which perhaps are slower, over immediate results of consensus; implementing timely and humane programmes in the fight against “the trafficking of human flesh” which profits off others’ misfortune; coordinating the efforts of all actors, among which, you may be assured will always be the Church. To promote. Protecting is not enough. What is required is the promotion of an integral human development of migrants, exiles and refugees. This “takes place by attending to the inestimable goods of justice, peace, and the care of creation” (Apostolic Letter Humanam Progressionem, 17 August 2016). Development, according to the social doctrine of the Church (cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 373‐374), is an undeniable right of every human being. As such, it must be guaranteed by ensuring the necessary conditions for its exercise, both in the individual and social context, providing fair access to fundamental goods for all people and offering the possibility of choice and growth. Also here a coordinated effort is needed, one which envisages all the parties involved: from the political community to civil society, from international organisations to religious institutions. The human promotion of migrants and their families begins with their communities of origin. That is where such promotion should be guaranteed, joined to the right of being able to emigrate, as well as the right to not be constrained to emigrate (cf. Benedict XVI, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 12 October 2012), namely the right to find in one’s own homeland the conditions necessary for living a dignified life. To this end, efforts must be encouraged that lead to the implementation of programmes of international cooperation, free from partisan interests, and programmes of transnational development which involve migrants as active protagonists. To integrate. Integration, which is neither assimilation nor incorporation, is a two‐way process, rooted essentially in the joint recognition of the other’s cultural richness: it is not the superimposing of one culture over another, nor mutual isolation, with the insidious and dangerous risk of creating ghettoes. Concerning those who arrive and who are duty bound not to close themselves off from the culture and traditions of the receiving country, respecting above all its laws, the family dimension of the process of integration must not be overlooked: for this reason I feel the need to reiterate the necessity, often presented by the Magisterium (cf. John Paul II, Message for World Migration Day, 15 August 1986), of policies directed at favouring and benefiting the reunion of families. With regard to indigenous populations, they must be supported, by helping them to be sufficiently aware of and open to processes of integration which, though not always simple and immediate, are always essential and, for the future, indispensable. This requires specific programmes, which foster significant encounters with others. Furthermore, for the Christian community, the peaceful integration of persons of various cultures is, in some way, a reflection of its catholicity, since unity, which does not nullify ethnic and cultural diversity, constitutes a part of the life of the Church, who in the Spirit of Pentecost is open to all and desires to embrace all (cf. John Paul II, Message for World Migration Day, 5 August 1987). I believe that conjugating these four verbs, in the first person singular and in the first person plural, is today a responsibility, a duty we have towards our brothers and sisters who, for various reasons, have been forced to leave their homeland: a duty of justice, of civility and of solidarity. First of all, a duty of justice. We can no longer sustain unacceptable economic inequality, which prevents us from applying the principle of the universal destination of the earth’s goods. We are all called to undertake processes of apportionment which are respectful, responsible and inspired by the precepts of distributive justice. “We need, then, to find ways by which all may benefit from the fruits of the earth, not only to avoid the widening gap between those who have more and those who must be content with the crumbs, but above all because it is a question of justice, equality and respect for every human being” (Message for the World Day of Peace, 8 December 2013, 9). One group of individuals cannot control half of the world’s resources. We cannot allow for persons and entire peoples to have a right only to gather the remaining crumbs. Nor can we be indifferent or think ourselves dispensed from the moral imperatives which flow from a joint responsibility to care for the planet, a shared responsibility often stressed by the political international community, as also by the Magisterium (cf. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 9; 163; 189, 406). This joint responsibility must be interpreted in accord with the principle of subsidiarity, “which grants freedom to develop the capabilities present

at every level of society, while also demanding a greater sense of responsibility for the common good from those who wield greater power” (Laudato Si’, 196). Ensuring justice means also reconciling history with our present globalized situation, without perpetuating mind‐sets which exploit people and places, a consequence of the most cynical use of the market in order to increase the wellbeing of the few. As Pope Benedict affirmed, the process of decolonization was delayed “both because of new forms of colonialism and continued dependence on old and new foreign powers, and because of grave irresponsibility within the very countries that have achieved independence” (Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate, 33). For all this there must be redress. Second, there is a duty of civility. Our commitment to migrants, exiles and refugees is an application of those principles and values of welcome and fraternity that constitute a common patrimony of humanity and wisdom which we draw from. Such principles and values have been historically codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and in numerous conventions and international agreements. “Every migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance” (ibid., 62). Today more than ever, it is necessary to affirm the centrality of the human person, without allowing immediate and ancillary circumstances, or even the necessary fulfilment of bureaucratic and administrative requirements, to obscure this essential dignity. As Saint John Paul II stated, an “irregular legal status cannot allow the migrant to lose his dignity, since he is endowed with inalienable rights, which can neither be violated nor ignored” (John Paul II, Message for World Migration Day, 25 July 1995, 2). From the duty of civility is also regained the value of fraternity, which is founded on the innate relational constitution of the human person: “A lively awareness of our relatedness helps us to look upon and to treat each person as a true sister or brother; without fraternity it is impossible to build a just society and a solid and lasting peace” (Message for the World Day of Peace, 8 December 2013, 1). Fraternity is the most civil way of relating with the reality of another person, which does not threaten us, but engages, reaffirms and enriches our individual identity (cf. Benedict XVI, Address to Participants in an Interacademic Conference on “The Changing Identity of the Individual”, 28 January 2008). Finally, there is a duty of solidarity. In the face of tragedies which take the lives of so many migrants and refugees – conflicts, persecutions, forms of abuse, violence, death – expressions of empathy and compassion cannot help but spontaneously well‐up. “Where is your brother” (Gen 4:9): this question which God asks of man since his origins, involves us, especially today with regard to our brothers and sisters who are migrating: “This is not a question directed to others; it is a question directed to me, to you, to each of us” (Homily at the "Arena" Sports Camp, Salina Quarter, Lampedusa, 8 July 2013). Solidarity is born precisely from the capacity to understand the needs of our brothers and sisters who are in difficulty and to take responsibility for these needs. Upon this, in short, is based the sacred value of hospitality, present in religious traditions. For us Christians, hospitality offered to the weary traveller is offered to Jesus Christ himself, through the newcomer: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35). The duty of solidarity is to counter the throwaway culture and give greater attention to those who are weakest, poorest and most vulnerable. Thus “a change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is needed on the part of everyone, moving away from attitudes of defensiveness and fear, indifference and marginalization – all typical of a throwaway culture – towards attitudes based on a culture of encounter, the only culture capable of building a better, more just and fraternal world” (Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 5 August 2013). As I conclude these reflections, allow me to draw attention again to a particularly vulnerable group of migrants, exiles and refugees whom we are called to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate. I am speaking of the children and young people who are forced to live far from their homeland and who are separated from their loved ones. I dedicated my most recent Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees to them, highlighting how “we need to work towards protection, integration and long‐term solutions” (Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 8 September 2016). I trust that these two days will bear an abundant fruit of good works. I assure you of my prayers; and, please, do not forget to pray for me. Thank you.

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