World Day of Migrants & Refugees Mass
On Sunday, September 24th, the Archdiocese of Toronto, in collaboration with the Jesus the King Melkite Catholic Community, celebrated a special Mass at 12:00 pm to mark the 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Markham. Bishop John Boissonneau, in his homily, emphasized that the universal Church is deeply concerned about the displacement of people and communities who are forced to leave their homes. He reminded parishioners that by welcoming refugees, they are, in fact, welcoming Our Lord Jesus.
Monsignor Makarios, the celebrant, pointed out that The Holy Family was also once forced to flee to Egypt from King Herod, making them migrants and refugees. A Syrian refugee shared the story of the suffering his family endured in Syria that forced them to flee. He recounted how one of his family members had been kidnapped, his brother battling cancer, all while he was in hiding, awaiting to be resettled to Canada.
Deacon Rudy, the Director of the Office for Refugees (ORAT) in the Archdiocese of Toronto, mentioned that ORAT has successfully brought more than 5000 families into Canada. He emphasized that given the significant persecution faced by Christians in various parts of the world and the limited representation of Christian refugees in the resettlement efforts of Western governments, ORAT’s primary focus is on assisting Christian refugees.
The Jesus the King council arranged for the Icon of Our Lady Help of Persecuted Christians to be included in all the processions. It was carried by two new deacons, and the Byzantine Choir’s music contributed to the solemnity of this liturgy. The St. John Paul II Assembly, along with the All Saints of China Assembly, organized the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard, led by Commander Sir Knight Jeffrey.
The Christian Refugee Relief Director encourages councils, members, and their parishes to support Christian refugees by donating to ORAT. This support ensures that refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and other regions can be resettled in Canada, where they can begin a new life in freedom and safety. To donate to ORAT or obtain more information, visit www.christianrefugeerelief.org or contact Brother Hikmat at 416-893-8060 or via email at knightsofcolumbus@hotmail.com .
To watch the Mass for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, please click on the link below: https://www.facebook.com/jtkchurch/videos/1055602345885516