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Pastoral Letter - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?
12/Oct/2024
Pastoral Letter
A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?
Exploring what
hospitality for migrant people means in contemporary Ireland
Hospitality in Today’s Ireland
Ireland’s tradition of hospitality - céad míle fáilte -
faces challenges due to rising immigration, which has exposed longstanding
societal issues like housing, homelessness, and gaps in social services. These
challenges existed before immigration became a prominent issue, but some
fearful and angry voices now call for closing borders. However, the Irish
people, conscious of our own history of migration and Christian faith, must
continue to welcome newcomers. Many immigrants bring valuable skills and
talents, while others seek support for a better future.
As Christians, the belief in the sanctity of life and the
commandment to ‘love your neighbour’ calls us to care for everyone, regardless
of their background. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our
neighbour includes all, regardless of ethnicity or status. The Irish Catholic
Bishops’ Conference urges all Christians, and people of goodwill, to embrace
this Biblical invitation to welcome the stranger, creating parishes and
communities of hospitality where people truly belong. Welcoming others is not
only a societal duty but also a Gospel command to love and serve as Christ did.
Reflect:
When have you been blessed by hospitality that you received?
Migration: An Irish Reality
Migration has been a central part of Irish history, shaped
by events such as war, famine, economic collapse, and now, climate change.
During the Great Famine (1845 - 1852), nearly two million people left Ireland,
but migration has long been a reality for the Irish, with significant exoduses
as recently as the 1950s and 1980s - the legacies of which remain with us
today. It is a new experience for Ireland to be a destination for migrants, a
clear sign of the country’s economic and social progress.
Historically, Irish migrants often faced discrimination
abroad. Father Gerry McFlynn, of the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas
office in London, recalls the change since migrating to live in England at the
end of the 1970’s. The 1980’s and 1990’s were difficult decades to be Irish
there. ‘One had the strong sense of being “a suspect community”, having to keep
one’s head down, say little publicly, always conscious of one’s accent and
background.’ He adds that it was not until the Good Friday Agreement of 1998
that attitudes began to change for the better.
The Catholic faith itself is a migrant’s faith, spread
throughout Ireland by Saint Patrick, an immigrant and former slave. The Irish
diaspora played a key role in spreading the faith, with Irish missionaries and
communities flourishing globally. Pope Francis, the son of immigrants,
constantly highlights the sacredness of the migrant’s journey, reminding us
that welcoming migrants is akin to welcoming Christ.
Reflect: Have you or your loved ones been migrants? How
did that experience feel?
Welcome: The Migrant’s Gift
In recent years, Ireland has seen many immigrants seeking a
better life, and local parishes, schools, and community organisations have
played a key role in integrating them. The Catholic Church in Ireland has
become a space where long established communities encounter and befriend
newcomers, fostering diversity - which is a gift and a source of renewal.
One story relates to Irene Nunes, who came from Brazil to
Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, thirteen years ago. Irene and her family were warmly
welcomed by the local parish, where she now serves as a sacristan and member of
the Parish Pastoral Council. Irene speaks of the strong sense of belonging and
community that she and other Brazilians have experienced in the parish. A
beautiful example of this belonging was the recent celebration of marriage of
five Brazilian couples, during the same ceremony, in Saint Patrick’s Church,
Ballyhaunis. This experience of radical hospitality reflects early Christian
communities, where cultural and ethnic divisions were overcome through shared
faith in Jesus. The Church in Ireland now experiences this same sense of
welcome and renewal through the presence of immigrants.
Encounter: Moving from Welcome to Belonging
Irish Catholic Bishops strongly encourage a “culture of
encounter” that goes beyond mere tolerance of newcomers. Such a culture fosters
authentic participation and integration. Polite tolerance can leave migrants
feeling isolated, but true Christian encounter involves mutual enrichment,
where established communities and newcomers share and learn from each other. It
is noted that the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Inter-Church Meeting,
bodies which facilitate dialogue between all of the Churches across the island,
have recently produced resources to help enhance such encounter and belonging.
Pope Francis emphasises the need to engage with others deeply, not just seeing
but truly listening and connecting with them. This spirit of encounter reflects
the early Christian understanding that believers are ‘foreigners and exiles’ in
the world, called to form connections beyond borders.
Our Church’s universality ensures that every parish is
connected globally. Furthermore, Church teachings affirm the dignity of every
person - including that of the migrant - and remind us that every person
possesses inalienable rights and deserve respect and welcome.
Reflect: When have you felt truly encountered, listened
to, and valued? How did that impact you?
Challenges to Integration
Immigration to Ireland is high at present, though not at
the levels previously seen through the peak of the Celtic Tiger era. In the
most recent year for which there are statistics (up to April 2024), 149,200
people came to live in Ireland. However, 69,900 people left Ireland in the same
period[1]. The figures for Northern Ireland are lower, with the most
recent statistics suggesting a net immigration of 2,300 people in 2022[2]. These numbers contain a great
diversity. It includes Irish citizens returning to live here, people on
employment visas coming to take up particular roles, EU citizens availing of
the freedom of movement, people from Britain who benefit from the Common Travel
Area and many others besides. A significant factor in the numbers coming to
Ireland in recent years were Ukrainians who are fleeing the Russian invasion of
February 2022. Their numbers constitute a net figure of just over 81,000[3]. The number of people who come seeking
International Protection is a small proportion of the overall number – about
14,000[4]. According to the European Union statistics body, the
number of people found to have been here in Ireland illegally in 2023 was 1,485
people[5].
One of the reasons why the topic of immigration can be
contentious is that differences within the meaning of the term are not always
acknowledged. “Immigrant” often means someone who has made a permanent home in
a new country. “Migrant” often means someone who is only based in the new
country for a period. “Asylum seeker” refers to someone who is claiming
protection outside their country of origin, which is different from a
“refugee”, who is someone who has had that claim confirmed. It is important to
note that the formal definition of refugee does not include anybody displaced
within their own country, or who travels abroad to escape poverty or famine.
While these definitions are important from a legal
perspective, we should not allow them to obscure what matters most to
Christians: regardless of where a person was born or what passport they carry:
they are our neighbour.
An example of the challenges to integration is Patrick’s
story. Patrick was born in Nigeria and grew up in a loving Catholic home before
marrying and coming to work in Ireland in 2002. He tells us that adjusting to
Irish society was challenging but he and his family gradually integrated
‘through a long process of acculturation’. He adds, ‘we have four children, all
born in Ireland, who identify more as Irish than Nigerian. After my wife’s
passing, we navigated through difficult times but also enjoyed good moments
together. Finding employment was a difficult challenge but I got help and
training through State sponsored FÁS courses and I am now in my third and,
hopefully, most lasting job.’ While Patrick is aware of the cultural
differences he has experienced in work, in Church and with neighbours, he
concludes that despite all of this, ‘coming to Ireland has been a blessing. We
have the freedom to practice our faith and we are happy, although we miss
Nigeria and find travel there expensive.’
It is common to hear people talk about the costs of
immigration. But almost one-in-five workers in the Irish economy are
‘non-Irish-nationals’[6]. Our economy could not function without the people working
in the sectors of hospitality, education, healthcare and technology, who have
come here from elsewhere. Economists describe our economy as “at full
employment” and it is still growing. There is clearly an inescapable need for
migration. No one can but doubt that these newcomers have become foundational
to the positive operation of our society.
Reflect: How have migrants blessed your life?
Building a Friendly Society
Ireland faces significant challenges, such as homelessness,
strained health services, and an education system struggling to meet demands.
However, these issues have been on the landscape for some time - they have not
been caused by migration.
Migrants can help address these needs, contributing
positively to society. It is important to approach immigration policies in a
way that serves the common good, which includes both migrants and citizens. We
are fortunate to live in a country with a stable democracy and a vibrant civil
society, and we encourage all citizens to participate in such political debate
to the fullest of their abilities and convictions.
Pope Francis urges political leaders to prioritise
effective solutions to social and economic exclusion, emphasising “political
charity” to overcome individualism. Christians are called to support this
vision collectively.
Reflect: How can you encourage constructive debate on the
things that really matter in our society?
A Call to Parishes: Community Sponsored Programme
As Irish society changes, the Church is tasked with
welcoming and integrating migrants. Pope Francis warns against building “walls
in the heart” and encourages a culture of openness, reflecting Jesus’ inclusive
ministry and his command ‘Ephphatha’ – be opened! (Mark 7:31-37).
Parishes are urged to oppose fear and recognise the image of God (Genesis
1:27) in every migrant, regardless of nationality.
One practical response is the Community Sponsorship
Programme, where local communities sponsor and resettle refugee families. This
scheme is supported by the Government of Ireland and led by the Irish Red Cross
and partners. One example of this is the parish of Clane in Co Kildare, which
successfully welcomed a Syrian family in 2019, and it provides a model for how
parishes can respond to refugee needs with hospitality and support[7].
Reflect: How can migrants in your parish help shape the
journey from welcome to belonging?
Conclusion
Migration presents many challenges for all involved:
immigrants seeking safety and a better future, as well as for those who welcome
them, and the governments and communities responsible for providing shelter and
support.
As migration to Ireland increases, it brings both
difficulties and opportunities for society. While the changes ahead remain
uncertain, the teachings of the Gospel provide timeless guidance on addressing
these challenges.
Catholic Social Teaching emphasises the dignity of every
human being and the common good, offering a foundation for action. The Church
sees the “travail of migrants” as a violation of human dignity, and urges us to
welcome migrants so as to support the defence of their inalienable rights[8].
The patron saints of immigrants and refugees, such as Saint
Patrick, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and Saint Josephine Bakhita, remind us of
the Christian call to compassion, love, and service to the marginalised. As we
face the ongoing realities of migration, displacement, and human trafficking,
we must draw from these sources of faith for guidance.
May we always welcome and advocate for migrants. In doing
so, we fulfil our shared role as a “migrant pilgrim people,” continuing the
Irish tradition of openness, encounter, and hospitality, and bearing witness to
God’s eternal love.
This Pastoral Letter has been designed by the CCO and reproduction is welcome. Please credit as the source: The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. For further information email info@catholicbishops.ie