September 20 officially kicks off National Migration Week. The week long event (Sept. 20 -26) is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The week will lead to the Vatican’s celebration of World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), which falls on the last Sunday of September. The theme for this year’ WDMR is “Towards an ever wider ‘WE’” to indicate a common journey for the world. In his letter announcing this year’s theme, Pope Franics emphasizes “this focus calls on us to ensure that after all this, we will think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those,’ but only us” (Fratelli tutti, no. 35).
Catholic University’s Center for Culture Engagement and Migrant Rights Coalition are hosting the following events for National Migration Week, including discussions and presentations covering topics on the Church’s role with migrants, history on migration, the current challenges immigrants face, and a Mass to commemorate WDMR. To attend these events, you must register on The Nest.
September 20
A Church that is more and more “Catholic”
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m
Where: Pryzbyla Center, Great Rooms
Most Rev. Mario E. Dorsonville, chairman, USCCB Committee on Migration will discuss the Church’s call to go out into the streets of every existential periphery in order to heal wounds. Among those dwelling in those existential peripheries, we find many migrants and refugees, displaced persons and victims of trafficking.
September 20
The Importance of Migrants in the US
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m
Where: McMahon 201
Migrant Rights Coalition will acquaint itself on campus and give a presentation on the importance of migrants in the United States, the problems facing migrants, education, and much more.
September 21
Human Migration: Six Lessons from History
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m
Where: Caldwell Auditorium
Julia Young, professor of history discusses key lessons from the past that can help us understand contemporary migration patterns.
September 22
Immigration: Current Challenges
Time: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m
Where: Pryzbyla Center, Great Rooms
Stacy Brustin, professor of law and director, Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Clinic at the Columbus School of Law; and David P. Spicer, J.D. - policy advisor, USCCB Migration and Refugee Services discusses DACA, TPS, the southern border and refugee resettlement topics and what the current challenges mean for our community.
September 26
Mass: 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Time: 5:30 p.m
Where: Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1725 Rhode Island Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20036
Mass to commemorate the 107th World Day of Refugees and Migrants, celebrated by Most Rev. Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary Bishop of Washington, and chair of the USCCB's Committee on Migration. After the Mass, Bishop Dorsonville has invited Catholic University students to join him at a private reception. To participate in the reception you must RSVP by contacting: Javier Bustamante at bustamantej@cua.edu.