The SMA pilgrimage to Knock next Saturday, 28Â May, is challenging us to reflect on how we treat the strangers in our midst. We are encouraged to pray for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. As well as been dislocated from their home lands, many of these strangers are recovering from the trauma of war. They are in need of healing, emotionally, psychologically and socially. The following is a prayer that we are encouraged to pray for the strangers in our midst.
Father, we entrust the men, women and children who live as migrants and refugees to your protection.
Grant us the grace to welcome them with Christian hospitality, so that these brothers and sisters of ours may find acceptance and understanding.
Teach us to recognise the face of your Son
in the migrant who works in our midst;
in the refugee seeking protection from persecution, war and famine;
in the victims of trafficking; i
n the asylum seeker forced to leave their homes and countries.
May all find in Ireland and the Church a home where no one is a stranger.
We ask this in the name of your blessed Son, Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
The Wilton Justice Group: Caring for One another; Caring for the Earth