Dear Brothers and Sisters, In this Jubilee Year of Migrants and the Missions, the theme, “Migrants, missionaries of hope,” reminds us that those compelled by displacement become vessels through which God pours forth life, renewal, and grace, not only for themselves, but for the Church and the world.

We live in a time marked by conflicts, inequity, natural disasters, and the fragmentation of our shared humanity. Yet it is precisely in the faces of those forced to leave home, migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, that we encounter a resilient hope that refuses despair. Through their journeys, they bear witness to faith that beholds a future beyond the horizon, a hope that illuminates even the darkest paths.

Scripture echoes this truth. Like the people of Israel wandering through the desert, sustained by God’s providence “Rain in abundance… you restored your heritage… in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy” (Ps 68:7-10), so migrants today mirror that divine accompaniment, carrying hope within their very steps. And as the psalmist reminds us: “Under his wings you will find refuge… his faithfulness is a shield and buckler” (Ps 91:3-6), a promise to all who embark on uncertain paths.

The Church, our pilgrim community, is called to recognize that migrants are not simply recipients of charity but missionaries of hope. Their presence in new lands rekindles spiritual life in communities grown weary, fosters interreligious dialogue rooted in everyday solidarity, and invites us all to live with renewed purpose and faithfulness.

This missio migrantium must be supported with pastoral formation and robust inter-ecclesial collaboration. Migrants must be empowered to witness, to evangelize, and to share their gifts, physically, spiritually, culturally, with full dignity and reciprocity. At the same time, receiving communities must extend true hospitality, embracing newcomers as brothers and sisters in Christ, enriching the life of the Church through diversity and shared mission.

As Scalabrinians, we are called to stand with migrants in their journey, sustaining hope through accompaniment, compassionate advocacy, and a gospel witness that honors their dignity. We entrust these courageous travelers, and all who walk alongside them, to the maternal protection of Mary, Comfort of Migrants, that she may keep alive the flame of hope in their hearts and ours, guiding us toward the Kingdom of God, our true homeland.

May the grace we share through our ministry reveal the face of Christ to all who are displaced and through them, renew the Church for mission, communion, and hope!