On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the Archdiocese of Montreal celebrated the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees at the local Vietnamese Mission, Saints-Martyrs-du-Vietnam. Father Pierangelo Paternieri, Episcopal Vicar for Cultural and Ritual Communities, warmly welcomed attendees, stating, “Welcome to all of you at the Saints-Martyrs-du-Vietnam Mission, as we gather with our Archbishop Christian Lépine to commemorate this significant day. I extend a special welcome to Frs. Jean-Marie Bilwala and Harry Célestin, episcopal vicars for the French-speaking deaneries, to Mgr Pierre Blanchard, and to you, dear fellow priests and permanent deacons. It is with joy and gratitude that we greet you, Mgr Lépine.”

In his homily, Archbishop Lépine emphasized the significance of cultural encounters in a vibrant, global metropolis like Montreal. He reminded the congregation of the remarkable linguistic diversity within the diocese, where 42 Masses are celebrated in various languages each week. This diversity, he remarked, is both a blessing and a call to transcend cultural differences, welcoming every individual as a unique creation of God.

The Archbishop expressed deep appreciation for this occasion, highlighting that migrants symbolize the richness of our times, reflecting the diverse ways God enriches society and the Church. He reiterated the Church of Montreal's missionary responsibility to promote the universal motherhood of the Church. Encouraging the congregation to embrace this missionary spirit, he urged everyone to reach out to and care for the most vulnerable, particularly migrants and refugees, who often suffer from new forms of poverty and slavery.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued in a joyful atmosphere with refreshments and musical performances from various ethnic communities in the church basement. This communal gathering provided an opportunity to savour the richness of the diverse cultures represented and to strengthen the bonds of fraternity that unite this multicultural family within the Church of Montreal.

This lively and heartfelt celebration beautifully illustrated the value of cultural encounters and the evangelical mission of welcoming all in their diversity.

Alessandra Santopadre
Assistant Director, Office for Cultural and Ritual Communities
Responsible for the sponsorship programme for refugees and asylum seekers
Archdiocese of Montreal

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