Gathered in Prayer for Immigrant Children at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in New York

St. Cabrini Nursing Home observed National Migration Week by having a special prayer service in honor of migrants and refugees. Keeping with the theme of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), “Even just one of these children,” there were songs, scripture, prayers, storytelling and reflections. The theme, chosen by Pope Leo XIV calls us to reflect on Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” 

The prayer service opened with the song, All Are Welcome, a reminder that we are all God’s children. We prayed a special Litany, ‘Immigrants Are a Blessing,’ which, reminded us to praise God for the blessing of the stranger. Dr. Wendy Mages, a storyteller, told the story, ‘The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein. She invited each of us, in our own way, to welcome those in need and offer them the comfort of a place to sit with us and reside in peace. 

Following the story, we lit individual candles for children who have been stranded, separated from parents, victims of human trafficking, bullied and so have been done to them. Sr. Carol D’Angelo, SC, gave a beautiful reflection on Micah 6:8. She reminded us that each of us is called to have a heart that desires justice, goodness and walking humbly with God. Our hearts should embrace respect and dignity for ourselves and those we meet and to accept God’s unconditional love for ourselves and others. 

Before the solemn blessing, everyone was invited to sign the Cabrini Pledge. The Pledge, initiated by the USCCB, invites us to affirm the dignity of all people, especially migrants and refugees. It is based on Catholic social teaching and uses the example of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. 

~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry, NY