Prayer for Refugees

We pray in memory of the Holy Family for all those
who have had to flee their homes in this troubled world.
We pray for the 11.4 million people
who have become refugees outside their own countries.
We pray for the 26 million people
who have been displaced within their own countries.
May we realize that, in our interconnected world,
we are linked with all displaced persons by our common humanity.

May we proclaim our solidarity with these brothers and sisters
as we recognize their human dignity as children of God.
May we follow St. Paul’s admonition to “welcome one another
as Christ welcomed you, for the Glory of God,”
and open our hearts to refugees around the global community.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, remember the men, women and children
who long for home as they weep beside the rivers of exile.
In your mercy, dry their tears and grant them new life.
With your grace, help us to embody for them your concern and compassion.
With your grace, May we become a global holy and healed family.
Amen.