For the annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees (Sept. 29), Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares with the Diocese the 2019 Message of Our Holy Father Pope Francis:
Faith assures us that in a mysterious way the Kingdom of God is already present here on earth (cf. Gaudium et spes, 39). Yet in our own time, we are saddened to see the obstacles and opposition it encounters. Violent conflicts and all-out wars continue to tear humanity apart; injustices and discrimination follow one upon the other; economic and social imbalances on a local or global scale prove difficult to overcome. And above all it is the poorest of the poor and the most disadvantaged who pay the price….
For this reason, the presence of migrants and refugees – and of vulnerable people in general – is an invitation to recover some of those essential dimensions of our Christian existence and our humanity that risk being overlooked in a prosperous society. That is why it is not just about migrants. When we show concern for them, we also show concern for ourselves, for everyone; in taking care of them, we all grow; in listening to them, we also give voice to a part of ourselves that we may keep hidden because it is not well regarded nowadays.
Bishop O’Connell also ushered in the fall season with a series of events and visits around the Diocese, which were recently covered by The Monitor:
- Bishop installs Father Sumanga as pastor of Highstown parish
- CCDOT’s annual fundraiser gala puts spotlight on good works
- Church of the Korean Martyrs celebrates 25 years of culturally rich history
Stay up to date with Bishop O’Connell and other diocesan, parish and school events by visiting TrentonMontior.com.
