The Archdiocese of Montreal experienced a moment of profound grace on Sunday, September 28, as it celebrated the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees at the Cathedral of Mary, Queen of the World.

With Montreal’s Archbishop Christian Lépine as presider, and joined by Father Pierangelo Paternieri, Episcopal Vicar for Cultural and Ritual Communities, Father Éric Sylvestre, Episcopal Vicar for Francophone Deaneries, along with numerous priests and deacons, Montreal’s Catholic community reaffirmed its commitment to migrants and refugees.

A Message of Hope

In his welcome address, Father Pierangelo reflected on the significance of the celebration within the context of the Jubilee Year:

"Under the theme ‘Migrants, Missionaries of Hope,’ this day highlights the courage and perseverance of migrants and refugees, who, despite hardships, bear witness to living hope and become bearers of hope within the communities that welcome them."

A Celebration of Diversity

The liturgy was especially moving thanks to the participation of three choirs, representing the multicultural richness of our Church: the Philippine community, the Melkite community, and the Haitian community. Their united voices beautifully embodied this year’s theme, creating an atmosphere of joy and communion throughout the Cathedral.

Recognizing Christ in the Stranger

On this World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the universal Church invites reflection on migration—a contemporary reality marked by suffering, uprooting, and yet resilient hope. Pope Leo reminds us that migrants seek not only material aid but authentic welcome and genuine compassion.

In them, we are called to recognize the face of Christ Himself, as expressed in the Gospel: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35–36). This call is more than a charitable invitation—it is a measure of our fidelity to the Gospel.

Lessons from Migrants

Migrants teach us profound truths about life and faith:

• Having left everything behind, they know how to distinguish the essential from the superfluous.
• Having risked everything, they understand the true value of freedom and human dignity.
• Having hoped for everything, they awaken us from resignation and discouragement.

In a world often marked by cynicism and self-isolation, their steadfast hope is a prophetic witness.

The Gift of Cultural Diversity

Welcoming migrants enriches our ecclesial life. Their cultures, traditions, and ways of praying and celebrating faith offer new dimensions to our understanding of the Christian mystery.

The Church is Catholic—that is, universal—and reveals itself fully when it embraces and celebrates the diversity of peoples and nations. In Montreal, this universality comes alive through the multiplicity of languages and spiritual traditions coexisting in harmony.

A Pastoral Commitment to Justice and Peace

Welcoming migrants is not simply a one-time act of charity; it is a pastoral commitment to justice and peace. It involves meeting immediate needs—food, shelter, clothing—while also building an inclusive, compassionate society in which everyone finds dignity and respect.

Every parish is called to be a sanctuary for the most vulnerable, a place where the love of Christ is made concrete, visible, and tangible.

Building the Kingdom Here and Now

By welcoming migrants with generosity and respect, we participate in building the Kingdom of God today. Every act of welcome, every word of comfort, every helping hand contributes to this new world inaugurated by Christ.

May the Virgin Mary, herself a migrant and refugee during the flight into Egypt, inspire and guide the Church of Montreal along this demanding but life-giving path.

Gratitude

Special thanks to the three choirs that so beautifully led this celebration: the Philippine community, the Melkite community, and the Mission Notre-Dame d’Haïti. Thank you to all who were present and offered their witness: the Church of Montreal truly is a Church of a thousand faces, united in faith and love of Christ.

"The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as your native-born; you shall love the stranger as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Leviticus 19:34)

Alessandra Santopadre
Assistant
Office for Cultural and Ritual Communities
Archdiocese of Montreal

View photo gallery