In response to the recent influx of migrants to the USA - Canada border, Archbishop Christian Lépine informs us of a new project of temporary accommodation for asylum-seekers, in partnership with Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Parish.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Archdiocese of Montreal is pleased to announce that a new project is underway! From the time the sponsorship program was launched in September 2015 for Syrian refugees, its mission has recently evolved due to events surrounding the influx of asylum seekers.  

Since January 2017, the USA-Canada border has been the site of an unexpected migratory wave. Approximately 3350 asylum seekers from various countries have arrived on our doorstep.  

Many of them are calling on the Archdiocese of Montreal for help. Their main difficulty is finding immediate housing while waiting to be recognized by the Canadian government as refugees, or turned away. The wait time can vary between one to two years. To ask for asylum is to ask a country for protection against danger, persecution, or mistreatment sustained in the country of origin.  

In an evangelical spirit of welcoming the least of us, the Parish of Notre-Dames-des-Victoires (in the Mercier borough) has generously offered the use of their vacant rectory and will collaborate with the Diocese and with the aid of a special team. This space, with a dozen rooms, will serve as temporary and safe housing for the time it takes to handle the required migration phases. The welcoming of pregnant women and single mothers, who are considered to be the most vulnerable and at-risk, are our priority.

Your generous participation in the sponsorship program helped numerous families in danger due to war, find a new homeland. Thanks to your help, the Archdiocese of Montreal was able to accompany them and give them a second chance for a new start in life.  

Today the asylum seekers, our human brothers and sisters, are in need of our financial help for a few months. If you wish to contribute to this project, you can send your donation to: CACRM (Archdiocese of Montreal), ASYLUM SEEKERS, or connect with:

Ms. Alessandra Santopadre
Archdiocese of Montreal
514-931-7311 ext. 295 or e-mail: asantopadre@diocesemontreal.org  

I invite everyone to act in solidarity with these vulnerable people. Our Church of Montreal cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of humanity. Our prayer and our generosity, whatever these may be, are essential for a more fraternal world. Thank you in considering this appeal.

In Christ, Our Saviour,


† Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal

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