This weekend, the Irish Catholic Bishops launched their Pastoral Letter entitled, “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?”
Addressing the important subject of migration, the Bishops note:
“In Ireland, we rightly pride ourselves on our céad míle fáilte.
But in recent years that culture has come under pressure.
Rising levels of immigration have brought to the fore
challenges our society has neglected for too long – housing
and homelessness, the provision of social services, mental
health services and some areas of education. These challenges
have deep roots in our political reality from long before the
present immigration situation emerged. Fearful and angry
voices even call for us to close our borders and our hearts to
the newcomer. In justice, the Irish people can never do that.
Many of our newcomers bring great gifts and talents to our
communities. Many also seek our help and support as they try
to make for a better future for themselves and their families.”
To read the full text, please click here.