Prayer for the protection of Migrants
“Contrasts”
You, St. Joseph, led Mary on a donkey with the child Jesus,
Stealing away in the dead of night, seeking sanctuary.
How many of us sleep in our own beds – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
You, Mary, had to look after the child Jesus, while you travelled
A long way, looking for a place to live and to make a new home.
How many of us live in our own homes – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
You, Jesus, were a small child when you had to travel in the night
And find a new place to grow, a new home and new friends.
How many of us live in the same place – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
Oh Holy Family, how you left with a few, bundled belongings,
Leaving what could not be carried, travelling light and quick.
How many of us have many possessions – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
You, Jesus, were scarcely old enough to notice more than bumping
Up and down on the donkey, wrapped in swaddling clothes and warm.
How many of us have too many clothes – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
You Mary, had to made do with a few belongings, a drink and milk
To feed your child, praying for the next meal for all and blessing God.
How many of us have food to waste – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
You, Joseph, carried a few small tools and found a place to work,
Settling Mary and Jesus where you could and mending it too.
How many of us have more tools than we need – but how many flee!
Lord, help us to remember and to help those who have to leave!
Amen.
by Francis Etheredge Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Migrants
We bring our tragedy to you, dear Father, for help and direction. While much of the world focuses on the coronavirus pandemic, many migrants continue to die on the Mediterranean Sea while trying to reach Italy. In the latest incident, authorities say that the bodies of 46 people have been recovered
off the coast of Tunisia. The tragedy happened after their boat capsized near the city of Sfax at the weekend. Hold them in your embrace loving Father as we pray for their souls. Bless the rescue workers, many wearing masks because of the coronavirus pandemic, dealt with another crisis. Bless the officials
who suggested that that the death toll from a ship packed with African migrants that sank off the Tunisian coast here rose to scores of people.
Help their loved ones and all those affected by this incident. With most bodies from this latest tragedy in the Mediterranean Sea now being recovered,
there seemed no hope that any one of the 53 people on board survived. The accident, near the Tunisian city of Sfax, ended the dreams of migrants who wanted to make the crossing to Italy start a new life in Europe. Bless their desire Lord for a new life. Help them to rest in your heavenly home now and
forever. by Eileen Quinn Knight, Ph.D. Profiles in Catholicism
A Prayer for Jakelin Caal Maquin
O Lord, mighty God, at times in history your little children have been treated badly. They were drowned by Pharaoh (Ex) and massacred by Herod(Mt). Still you Son, your loving Son reminded his disciple and us, to treat the little children gently and allow they to approach (Mk). Today the story is played out once again as we see your little child Jakelin mistreated yet now called to the side of your Son for eternity. Help us to remember always “People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them The disciples scolded them, 14 but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ 16 Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing. (The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985) (Mk 10:13–16
by Father David Brown, O.S.M. Profiles in Catholicism
Prayer for Migrants
For all those who see “home” and all it means Disappear behind them; For all those who cannot see a home In the days ahead of them; For all those who dwell in Daily insecurity; For all those who are weary and Without a safe place to rest their heads; For all families in migration we pray. May the image of the Holy Family Fleeing oppression stay with us as we enter a New Year, And stay with us each night as we are blessed With returning to a home. May we also be blessed With compassion for those Still weary, still seeking, Still with so far to go.
by Jane Deren, 2007
Prayer for migrants and refugees
There are many refugees, migrants, overseas workers exploited, abused, treated as slaves around the world Lord. You and your parents were refugees in Egypt, inspire your followers to speak out for the migrants and refugees and demand their human rights, may we do all we can to help them. Inspire us to help strangers in need. Amen
by Father Shay Cullen Profiles in Catholicism
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"Forced like Jesus Christ to Flee"