Even just one of these children (Matthew 18:10) is the theme of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees that will be celebrated on Sunday 27 September.
This year’s theme draws attention to children and young people affected by migration and forced displacement, inviting Catholics and all people of goodwill to recognise their dignity, hear their stories and respond with compassion and solidarity.
In his message for the World Day, Pope Leo XIV highlights the vulnerability of children on the move, noting that “minors are the most vulnerable group within the global movements of migration” and that they are “concrete faces, who have unique stories, and call on our conscience.”
The Holy Father reminds us that behind migration statistics are children whose lives have been shaped by war, poverty, violence, environmental disasters and family separation.
“Sadly, their number continues to grow,” he notes, and their suffering “does not end with their relocation.”
At the same time, he points to signs of hope in the witness of families, educators, volunteers and faith communities who accompany and support young migrants and refugees.
Reflecting on the Pope’s message, Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry and Bishop Delegate for the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO), said the theme challenges Australians to pay closer attention to a frequently overlooked dimension of migration.
“We frequently hear the voices and experiences of adult migrants and refugees, but we tend to forget the children involved,” Archbishop Prowse said.
“The Holy Father is inviting us to reflect on the often unseen and unspoken experiences of children who journey alongside their families or who face displacement on their own.”
Archbishop Prowse noted that while migrant and refugee children are often invisible and voiceless, they remain at the centre of the Church’s concern.
“Our responsibility in our communities and in Australia in general is to go out of our way to be attentive to this often invisible and voiceless dimension of migrants and refugees” he said.
To help parishes, schools and Catholic communities celebrate the Day, ACMRO has published a set of online resources.
ACMRO National Director Fr Khalid Marogi encouraged Catholic communities throughout Australia to use the resources in the lead-up to and during the Day, and to pray especially for children and families affected by displacement around the world.
The resources are available at: https://acmro.catholic.org.au/wdmr/2026
