Mass highlights plight of migrants in Canada
By Nathan Rumohr
Special to The B.C. Catholic

A week of awareness of the spiritual needs and dignity of migrants and refugees culminated Jan. 15 at St. Helen's Church in Burnaby with Mass celebrated by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB. It was part of the 98th annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

The archbishop pointed out the need to welcome migrants, refugees, and new immigrants, as many from those groups can feel displaced in B.C.'s secularized society.

"Migrants who know Christ are in danger of being persuaded to consider Him no longer relevant," the archbishop said in his homily. "They could leave behind (in their homeland) their practice of their faith."

The archbishop's hard truth was a challenge to parishes across the Archdiocese of Vancouver. He noted the persecution of the Church in Canada can cause confusion to migrants and refugees who do not see their home faith demonstrated in their new country.

"We are to go out and bring (migrants and refugees) to Jesus. We are all united in the Church of Christ."

The archbishop said the Gospel must be explained as liberating news. He reminded the packed church that Jesus was a refugee, along with His apostles. The Gospel message (Jn 1:35-42) was an illustration of how Catholics can lead people, especially new arrivals, to Christ. The Gospel highlighted how Andrew brought his brother Simon to Jesus. Simon, who was called Peter, went on to become the first Pope.

Jesus and His disciples were refugees as they all left everything to follow and then preach the good news, Archbishop Miller noted.

"Jesus needed others in His ministry. Is this not what we are to do with others, especially with newcomers in our midst?"

The archbishop also pointed out the blessings migrants rooted in the Catholic faith. He said they enrich the archdiocese with their strong faith in spite of the persecution some of them have received in their homelands.

The archbishop also noted the "rich mix" of cultures that helped facilitate the Mass, which was celebrated in 28 languages.

Newcomers are often leaders in helping other new Canadians settle into Canada. This was demonstrated after the Mass with a multicultural celebration in St. Helen's School gymnasium.

However, even with the efforts of parish communities and the hard work of archdiocesan organizations such as the Office of Service and Justice, temporary migrants can face extreme hardships.

"In the case of all temporary migrants we must ensure just treatment and recognition of all their human rights," added Archbishop Miller.
He went on to say that unjust treatment of temporary workers can lead them away from their faith.

The B.C. Catholic highlighted this in a June 13 article that detailed how some migrant workers become "unintended servants." Sometimes migrants hesitate to practise their faith because they fear being cast aside by uninterested employers.

The article also noted that both the federal and provincial governments have failed to address abuses such as exploitation, unfair labour law, and immigration issues.

In his homily, Archbishop Miller added that in addition to benefiting from the hard work of parish communities and the Office of Service and Justice, migrants can look to the Holy Family as a source of strength.

He pointed out that in the Christmas story of Christ's birth, the Holy Family had to flee after Christ's birth because of King Herod's plan to kill Him. "Jesus Himself knew firsthand the experience of being a refugee."