On Sept. 27, Pope Francis will launch the “Share the Journey” campaign, a two-year program of Caritas Internationalis to promote encounters between people on the move and people living in the countries they are leaving, passing through or arriving in.
In the Diocese of Trenton, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will mark the beginning of “Share the Journey” by hosting a listening session with members of the local immigrant community.
Bishop O’Connell will lead an estimated 20 to 30 immigrants, parish and social service staff and volunteers in prayer before leading a session for attendees to share their immigration experiences with Diocesan leaders.
The hope is that those sharing will provide insight into how the Catholic community within the Diocese can best welcome those who are arriving locally from other countries. Bishop O’Connell will also share lunch with attendees, participate in a question-and-answer session and impart a blessing.
The “Share the Journey” campaign will run at least until 2019. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, as well as more than 160 other Caritas members around the world, will sponsor events to provide opportunities for migrants and members of host communities to meet and share their stories.
“Your neighbors live across the street and the country, across oceans and hemispheres,” the “Share the Journey” website states. “As millions of God’s children flee war, persecution and poverty, Pope Francis … [invites] you to share their journey by walking with them in prayer and support.” Learn more about your neighbors and see how you can help at sharejourney.org.
