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At the Diocesan Synod on May 30 & 31, 2025, a resolution was passed to encourage parishes to mark December 18, or the nearest Sunday, as International Migrants Day. The Rev. Expedito Farinas and the congregation at St. Mary's, Southhill, have been marking this day liturgically for some time. Here is some information and suggestions shared by Rev. Farinas: 

       International Migrants Day is an annual observance that highlights the contributions of migrants to societies around the world and promotes the protection of their rights. It recognizes the challenges and opportunities associated with international migration and aims to raise awareness about the experiences of migrants and their impact on global communities.

When is International Migrants Day?

International Migrants Day is observed on December 18th each year. This date was chosen to coincide with the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. 

How to Celebrate International Migrants Day?

Celebrating International Migrants Day involves activities that promote inclusivity, empathy, and understanding of migrant experiences. 

Here are some ways to participate:

-Cultural Events: Participate in cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals that showcase the traditions and contributions of migrant communities in your area.

-Learn About Migration Issues: Educate yourself about the challenges and issues faced by migrants, including displacement, human rights violations, and discrimination.

-Support Migrant Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide assistance and advocacy for migrants and refugees. 

-Engage in Discussions: Engage in discussions and forums that address migration-related topics, including policies, integration, and the contributions of migrants to host societies. 

-Share Migrant Stories: Share stories and narratives of migrants’ journeys, resilience, and achievements to foster understanding and empathy.

-Church Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist and Prayers are dedicated and offered to all Migrants. St. Mary's marks the day liturgically by including special Prayers of the People.  We will use BAS pg. 682 - A Prayer of Christian Life. 

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; 
where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to life. Amen.

-Local parishes are encouraged to open doors to migrants in our catchment areas, e.g. Services in their language

        (like Spanish, etc..) or fellowship that includes migrants in their areas.

Relevant Hashtags

When sharing your support for International Migrants Day and participating in discussions related to migration and refugees, consider using these relevant hashtags:

  • #MigrantsDay
  • #RefugeeRights
  • #MigrationStories
  • #Inclusion
  • #HumanRights
  • #GlobalSolidarity