For Those in Flight

Refugees. Right now, across the globe, millions of people live outside their home country, driven out by political turmoil, natural disaster or other circumstances; many find themselves displaced right within their own homeland.

Perhaps the moments that linger most in my memory from recent mission visits relate to the time I spent in several refugee camps in Nepal. Some two decades ago, many people with Nepalese roots were forced out of Bhutan, even if they were born there. Eventually, these refugees settled in the eastern part of Nepal. I had the great privilege of visiting each of the seven refugee camps during my time there. The people, poor but rich in their generous, loving hearts, welcomed me inside their homes. I spoke with schoolchildren, and witnessed the compassionate outreach of local priests and Religious among these men, women and children who have suffered and sacrificed so much.





In early January, we celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, a most missionary feast as we witness the nations of the world, exemplified in the Three Kings, coming to adore the Christ Child, Savior of the world. Not long after the visit of the Magi, our Lord too became a refugee, fleeing, with Mary and Joseph, to Egypt, to escape the wrath of Herod. Throughout the Missions today, in Nepal and in so many places, the Church, with your help, serves the needs of refugees. My prayer during my visits in Nepal was, as it is now, for these displaced peoples and for those who reach out to them with the love and compassion of the Savior.

Christmas Presence

Think Christmas and children are brought immediately to mind. As I write this message to you, we are just days from celebrating the birth of Jesus. And in the preparations for this celebration, I cannot help but think of the many children I met during my most recent mission visit to Asia — children who come to experience the love of our Lord, one Savior of the world, through the service of priests, Religious and lay people in the Missions.

In one parish in Nepal, there is a hostel for some 40 boys who attend a local school. Because these children live so far away from any school — a journey of two days by bus and five days walking — this is their only chance for an education. While at the hostel, these young people receive loving care from local Sisters.


And in Nagaland in northeast India, there were many Church-run orphanages. Most of these receive regular support from the gifts young people in our country offer to the Holy Childhood Association, a Pontifical Mission Society. The care offered these little ones goes beyond the basics of food, shelter and clothing. Above all, each comes to know that Jesus, born at Christmas, loves them, never abandons them, and so they are never alone.

Yes, children and Christmas. How great to be part of this “one family in mission,” supporting the presence of priests, Religious and lay people who share with the young the “Good News” of Jesus’ birth and His love for each one of us!