Welcome, Protect, Embrace: Cardinal Czerny’s Message on Migration
Recently, a powerful message was delivered by Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny during a Mass in Panama City. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing the importance of welcoming and protecting migrants in the face of a growing crisis in the region.
Cardinal Czerny, who serves as the prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development, shared his thoughts at the Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua on Tuesday 20 August. The occasion brought together bishops and members of the Pastoral Care of Human Mobility from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In his heartfelt homily, Cardinal Czerny spoke of the migrants he had encountered at the “Lajas Blancas” Migrant Reception Centre, describing their harrowing journey as one from hell to a land of hope. Drawing parallels with the story of the people of Israel, he highlighted the adversity faced by migrants and the importance of a Christian response rooted in love and compassion.
As he reflected on the uncertainty and fear experienced by migrants, Cardinal Czerny emphasized the Church’s role in providing a welcoming and supportive environment. He shared his vision for a unified “Pastoral Migratoria” spanning the Americas, aiming to create spaces of refuge and solace for those in need.
Cardinal Czerny’s message underscored the belief that every encounter with a migrant is an encounter with Christ Himself. He urged the Christian community to open their hearts and doors, embracing those seeking refuge and a new beginning.
As the Mass concluded, Cardinal Czerny invited all present to join in gratitude and prayer, seeking inspiration from St. Bernard to offer assistance and support to migrants. He called for a united effort within the Church to prioritize the well-being and protection of the most vulnerable, reaffirming the Christian commitment to compassion and solidarity.
The words of Cardinal Czerny serve as a poignant reminder of the need for hospitality and empathy in a world marked by displacement and uncertainty. Let us heed his call to welcome, protect, and embrace those who come to our shores seeking a better future.
