Catholics mobilize

The Pope’s appeal to open the doors of parishes to welcome the refugees entering Europe in search to a safe haven of peace have touched the hearts of European Churches. Throughout the entire continent, from north to south, the bishops responded to Bergoglio by granting their full adhesion to his appeal. These Churches have been committed in the hot fronts of reception for a long time. Thus the appeal touched sensitive chords. It is widely emphasized that the crisis is bound to be long and complex, and that private initiatives, including those taken by the Church, are not enough. A serious commitment is demanded on the part of national governments and by the European Union as a whole. France, private initiative is not enough. Accidents and deaths in Calais in the impossible passage across the English Channel, the images of migrants in Ventimiglia waiting to cross the Italian-French border, the evacuation of immigrants in Paris … For years, the dioceses in France, the parishes, the religious communities, shrines and monasteries have opened their doors. In the light of this experience, developed on site, the French have underlined the importance to face the question of migration with “specific skills” and with appropriate “resources” and within due time. In a long statement released by the Permanent Council, signed by its President, Msg. Georges Pontier, the bishops affirm that they welcome the Pope’s appeal “with joy” but at the same time they underlined that “the reception of migrants is often difficult owing to a lack of resources. There are “many obstacles and administrative delays” and the integration process “is very difficult.” In other words, migration flows trigger a “new dynamic”, while “inappropriate present approaches should be reviewed.” For this reason, “the mere appeal to private initiative will be insufficient to solve the question of migrants.” It is necessary to promote actions that involve “the living forces of our national community” in a commitment supported at international level, to remove the root causes of conflicts in the Countries of origin. United Kingdom, appeal to the government. In London, outside Westminster’s cathedral, a prayer vigil for refugees knocking on Europe’s doors was held immediately after the Pope’s appeal. Also in this case the Catholic Church of England and Wales assured to Pope Francis the Church’s full availability to “to be generous in supporting people who have been forced to flee their homes”, said the archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, responding to the appeal at the Angelus. The Cardinal also urged Cameron’s government to implement initiatives that further authentic integration. “We urge government to respond positively to this crisis and to provide the necessary resources and funding to ensure the effective reception and long-term resettlement of these desperate people. We will work with both government and other responsible authorities to meet this grave challenge.”  Ecumenical commitment in Switzerland. Also Switzerland is seeking ways to give concrete response to the appeal of the Holy Father. The bishop of Lausanne, Geneva and Freiburg, Msgr. Charles Morerod, has decided to dedicate the next bishops’ council to Francis’ proposal. The pilot project “Osons l’accueil”, realized in ecumenical cooperation and still at its initial phases, aims at the Church’s full availability to help the Country in her mission of reception. In the past days, the bishops addressed the issue of migration during their assembly meeting. From Belgium to Hungary. Belgium is in pole position on the front of solidarity and of “open doors.” During the summer months the Belgian Bishops’ Conference had reiterated the appeal of Caritas Internationalis to owners of empty homes to make them available for the hosting of migrants. As a result, as many as 250 homes were made available– they said a few days ago -. On the aftermath of the Pope’s words Msgr. Guy Harpigny, bishop of Tournai, used strong words to dampen controversies on the migrant question. “In most cases – he argued – these families are seeking a shelter to survive.” They are fleeing situations of danger whereby their only option is choosing between “death and the possibility to live elsewhere.” In Hungary, a Country of transit of migrants towards Western Europe, the bishops answered with a letter sent directly to Pope Francis: “We thank you with all our hearts for the words you pronounced during last Sunday’s Angelus”, Cardinal Péter Erdõ and bishop András Veres, newly-elected President, wrote on behalf of everyone. “Your words instill strength and encouragement to continue with the work already begun.”