All invited to World Day of Prayer for Migrants to discover more on Catholic Social Teaching, migration law’s impact on children

Maura Baker

Staff Writer

People across the diocese are invited to Mother of God Church, Covington, Sept. 27, for an afternoon of prayer and communal gathering, 2–3 p.m. This service is in recognition of World Day of Prayer for Migrants — established in 1914 by Pope Pius X. This year’s chosen theme for the 11th World Day of Prayer for Migrants, as recommended by Pope Leo XIV, is “Even just one of these children,” focusing on the need for pastoral care for migrant and refugee minors.

The event is held on behalf of the Intercommunity Sisters Peace and Justice Committee, and organized by Mother of God’s Catholic Social Teaching and Action Committee — consisting of parishioners Carol Fausz, Dave and Melanie Braukman and Marilyn Schleyer.

The committee agreed to host this years’ service at Mother of God — with Father Michael Comer, pastor, as a speaker alongside Mini Masih, a volunteer specialist with Kentucky Refugee Ministries.

With last year’s World Day of Prayer for Migrants held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, it was the thought of the Intercommunity Sisters Peace and Justice Committee to “infuse the energy” of the day into the diocese, as opposed to holding it within the three congregations, according to Ms. Schleyer, who is also an Associate of the Congregation of Divine Providence.

The evening’s service will reflect on the “plight of the oppressed and the poor as it affects children,” Ms. Schleyer elaborated on the upcoming service. Speaker Mini Masih will talk about the impact of migration and migration laws on children socially, health-wise and psychologically.

However, there is a “very clear understanding that everything is staying away from politics,” Ms. Schleyer said. “This is an experience that is embedded in the Beatitudes and in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy which is Catholic Social Teaching.”

This event is free and open to the public. For further information, contact Marilyn Schleyer, ACDP at (859) 380-6155 or [email protected].