On 20 October, Dr Gary Carville (pictured), Executive Secretary of the Commission for Social Issues and International Affairs of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, published the article Welcoming migrants is not only a societal duty but a sacred obligation for Christians in The Irish Times. Dr Carville’s article complements the publication of the Bishops’ pastoral letter on immigration of 13 October, A hundred Thousand Welcomes? which encourages Christians and people of goodwill to welcome to migrants.
In his article Dr Carville reflected, “Céad míle fáilte, or a hundred thousand welcomes. This deep-rooted sense and tradition of hospitality, woven into our national identity and Christian spiritual heritage, faces new challenges. For Christians, welcoming migrants is not only a societal duty but a sacred obligation, echoing Christ’s call to serve the least among us. That is why the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has published a pastoral letter, A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?, on the subject of migration seeking to affirm once again the universal right to human dignity and to encourage all people to make their parishes, homes and lives places of hospitality and sanctuary.
“These questions must force us to reflect, to look beyond the statistics and logistical issues, and instead focus on the human and Christian obligation to welcome and embrace the newcomer. As Ireland – North and South – continues to evolve into a more multicultural society, the values that have long defined us – openness, kindness and a deep sense of justice – must not be abandoned. Instead, they must be adapted and strengthened in the face of new challenges.”
Dr Carville continued, “By embracing the diversity that migration brings and by fostering a culture of encounter, we have the opportunity to not only uphold, but also to expand our tradition of hospitality. Yes, the call to welcome and integrate migrants is about each and every one of us living out the gospel of Jesus Christ in today’s world. As Ireland changes, so too must our understanding of what it means to extend a céad míle fáilte. It is a call to build a society where every person, no matter where they come from, can truly belong.”
To read the full text of Dr Carville’s article click here. The Bishops’ Conference’s pastoral letter A hundred Thousand Welcomes? and related videos can be accessed on CatholicBishops.ie.
ENDS
Source: The Irish Times
