I am sharing information on the “Share the Journey” campaign to be launched by Pope Francis in support of migrants and refugees later this month.
Sponsored by Caritas Internationalis, Share the Journey promotes the culture of encounter in communities where migrants and refugees leave and return to, where they travel through, and where they chose to make their homes. The campaign aims to dispel fear and inspire communities to build relationships with those forced to leave their native lands due to violence, oppression, famine, and other hardships. The campaign is set to run through September 2019.
In solidarity with the Holy Father, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will launch Share the Journey in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at an 11:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
All are welcome to attend the Mass which will include a procession of recent immigrants and refugees from local parishes and the Refugee Resettlement Program of Catholic Social Services. The Mass is being combined with the existing liturgy to celebrate religious jubilarians, as many of our men and women religious have a keen focus on matters related to immigrants and refugees.
In addition to the Mass, the Reach Out social media campaign will be launched on Archbishop Chaput’s Facebook page during the week of September 18th. One of the ways your parish can show support, is by taking a picture of you with your parishioners holding hands in a circle facing outward. The picture can be shared on social media using the hashtag #ReachOut. Reach Out symbolizes understanding and support for immigrants and refugee as well as the challenges they face.
Lastly, you can respond to the Holy Father’s call by joining in a “Week of Prayer and Action” for migrants and refugees, beginning at Masses on October 7th and 8ththough October 14th.
