On Sunday 13th October the Bishops of published a pastoral letter– A Hundred Thousand Welcomes –to welcome migrants to Ireland. As Christians, we have a responsibility to respond to the key question of immigration across our island, & the world.

This fundamental question asks “Who is my neighbour?” & to answer this we are informed by the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37). In the light of the Gospel & Catholic Social Teaching, our Bishops offer this reflection on what hospitality for migrant people means in contemporary Ireland.

Mindful that migration has been a central part of our history, the Pastoral Letter provides a space to us as “migrant pilgrim people” to contemplate the causes of migration, the gifts that migrants bring to our church & our country, the economic & social issues we all face in Ireland & the importance of building a true sense of belonging in every parish & community.

A short video on the Pastoral Letter & it’s text in short & long form are available on CatholicBishops.ie