After an interview with the world’s English-speaking countries, the Vatican Section for Migrants and Refugees chose the Daughters of St. Paul, India, under the coordination of Sr. Dorothy Adaha Kayina, to spearhead a Project for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) (25 Sept. 2022) on the theme Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees–the first time such a noble project was entrusted to a women’s religious community. It involved the preparation of a Kit of various liturgical materials: booklets for a Eucharistic Celebration, a Holy Hour, the Rosary, a Prayer Vigil, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and prayer card, reflections and activities for children, teens and adults, as well as posters and a video.
The content of the Kit, prepared by a team of Pauline Sisters in collaboration with lay professionals who were happy to contribute their expertise to the Project, was drawn up with three considerations in mind: pastoral, communication experience and Church teachings with regard to migration. The Vatican Media Staff, which approved and endorsed the Kit, will send it to all the English-speaking nations of the Universal Church for use in dioceses, parishes, and communities.
Through this initiative, the Pauline mission is truly responding to Pope Francis’ call to go to the peripheries and be present among marginalized people.
Sr Dorothy writes: “I am grateful to my provincial superior, Sr Arul Mary Susai, who encouraged and supported us every step of the way. And I sincerely thank the Daughters of St. Paul of India and our lay collaborators, who worked tirelessly to contribute their best to this Project, which was a blessing for all of us and a truly rare opportunity!”
