The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales has produced a series of short prayer videos to mark the World Day for Refugees and Migrants, 24 September 2023.

Each video quotes one of the twenty-four principles from the recently published document ‘Love the Stranger’ and is accompanied by a prayer.

Love the Stranger places the human being at the heart of our pastoral outreach and urges us to see each and every person as a unique individual with a name, a face and a story.

Contributors to the videos come from the Holy See, COMECE, CAFOD, CSAN and Caritas Social Action Network members. Contributors from the Diocese of Westminster include Bishop Paul McAleenan (Principle 6) and Colette Joyce, Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator (Principle 15).

Love the Stranger – Videos and Text

Principle 6

We affirm the responsibility of the Church and civil society to help people in their homelands, including through the work of organisations such as CAFOD, Missio, Pax Christi, and Aid to the Church in Need

Intercessory Prayer

We pray for all dedicated to the task of improving the quality of life
in countries afflicted by poverty, war and persecution
for the agencies and charities, for fieldworkers and members of the church
who accompany and lift up the poor
May their work bear fruit, providing relief and building justice for the good of society
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Principle 15

We urge the fulfilment of obligations under international frameworks protecting migrants and refugees, such as the Refugee Convention, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Global Compact on Refugees, and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Intercessory Prayer

We pray for international cooperation to be upheld and strengthened wherever possible
so that people on the move will always receive the protection of the law and justice
may we always hold before our eyes your love o Lord for each and every traveller
and receive with compassion those who seek protection in this country
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Download ‘Love the Stranger’