by Olivia Martin-Davies
olivia.martin@theleaven.org
LENEXA — Pope Leo XIV reminded the faithful in his message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees that migrants and refugees are not just people seeking shelter and safety.
They are messengers of hope in a world plagued by darkness.
At the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Mass, celebrated at Holy Trinity Parish in Lenexa on Sept. 28 by Archbishop Emeritus Joseph F. Naumann, Catholics from Korea, India, Myanmar, Mexico, Nigeria and more gathered to celebrate their heritage, God’s providence and the gift of hope.
Since 1914, the Catholic Church in the United States has observed this special day of prayer for migrants and refugees. In his opening remarks, read by Deacon Bill Scholl, Archbishop Shawn McKnight stressed that this tradition serves to unify the church.
“The church must be for all who are afraid and in need,” said Archbishop McKnight. “This conviction shapes how we build parish life.
“When we overlook the neighbor who has journeyed far to find a home among us, we risk dividing the very household of God.”
It was standing-room-only in Holy Trinity, with over 350 immigrants present, as Archbishop Naumann reflected on unity in his homily:
“The real challenge is close to home and requires a personal response,” he said.
“In our prayer this morning,” he continued, “we should ask the Lord to help us recognize the needs of those closest to us.
“We ask for the ability to look, notice and see the Lazarus around us and to respond with love and compassion.”
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