TO: ALL PARISH PRIESTS, TEAM MINISTRY MODERATORS AND MEMBERS, RECTORS, MISSION STATION PRIESTS, AND CHAPLAINS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA
RE: 40TH NATIONAL MIGRANTS’ SUNDAY AND THE 112TH WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES (27 SEPTEMBER 2026)
The celebration of the 40th National Migrants’ Sunday and the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be celebrated on 27 September 2026. On the same day, the Archdiocese of Manila will also observe National Seafarers’ Sunday.
His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has chosen “Even just one of these children” as the theme for this year’s celebration. It dares attention to the minors on the move and reminds us of our Christian duty to welcome them as the Gospel teaches us.
In his Message, the Holy Father calls upon everyone to extend assistance to “those who, for various reasons, are forced to live far from their homeland and are separated from their families; yet, amid so much darkness, the light of solidarity is not lacking – individuals, families, civil institutions and ecclesial communities choose not to pass by on the other side (Lk 10:29-37).”
The Pope invites us to recognize the generous witness of families “who open the doors of their homes in order to restore to these children the warmth of a family hearth, educators who serve in reception centers, volunteers and aid workers who each day devote themselves to healing the invisible wounds of these little ones along migration routes and in our cities, they bear witness through their commitment that love can overcome indifference.”
Let us continue praying and supporting our OFWs and their families. A Prayer for Migrant Families sent with this circular can be read after the post-communion prayer in each Mass on Migrants’ Sunday.
We are also reminded of the second collection during all Masses on the evening of 26 September 2026 and the whole day of 27 September 2026, intended for the Migrants Ministry (cf. RCAM Circular 2026-83). Kindly remit the collections to the Treasury and Accounting Department, Arzobispado de Manila or or before 9 October 2026.
I gladly assure you of my prayerful solicitude.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+JOSE F. CARDINAL ADVINCULA
Archbishop of Manila
