A synodal approach to human mobility

Menghesteab Tesfamariam, MCCJ

Metropolitan Archbishop of Asmara, Eritrea

October 17, 2024

I refer to numbers 82-83-84 of the ”Instrumentum Laboris”.

Human mobility has different causes and many faces.

Exactly twenty years ago the then Pontifical Council for Migrants issued a very good Instruction entitled Erga Migrantes Caritas Christi- or, The love of Christ towards migrants. I suggest that it be updated and distributed to all pastoral agents once again.

Human mobility has very significant effects on the Churches of origin, the Churches in between and the Churches of final destination. Many of the exiled and migrants spend many years waiting and they sometimes change countries two or three times before reaching their final destination.

After enduring unbearable abuses and exploitation by human traffickers, security forces and whoever decides to take advantage of their situation, most refugees and migrants carry in themselves a heavy burden of trauma, insecurity, fear and mistrust. They have left their home and they have not yet found a permanent home. They are in a time of transition. In other words they are the most vulnerable persons and need special attention.

At the same time the receiving communities may easily see the presence of these strangers as a serious threat just because they look different, speak differently or behave differently. New arrivals may also be seen as those who disturb the status quo or comfort zone of the receiving community.

A truly Synodal approach to such situations means discovering that these migrants do not come empty handed. They have many gifts to offer to the  welcoming communities. In spite of the great pressure they face from secularism, materialism, relativism and the enticement of countless religious sects, most of the migrants have great faith, they love their Church, they love to celebrate, they love social activities. As one Archbishop in an European country told me years ago: “your people are injecting life to our declining parishes”. Generous Synodal Christian hospitality would be the right response to the new arrivals.

However, It is also clear that doing pastoral work among populations on the move is not an easy task. There is need for great patience and flexibility as well as a good amount of creativity. The Churches of origin, the Churches of transition and those who give them final hospitality need to cooperate closely in the spirit of synodality and find effective ways and means for pastoral care. Bishops and clergy in particular need to help each other in order to facilitate and encourage mutual respect, Christian hospitality and confidence building among the faithful.

In the case of the Eastern Churches the clergy and religious that follow the migrants need to be helped to know and understand better the richness of the Latin Rite, while Latin Rite Clergy, on their part, need to make an honest effort to know and appreciate the Traditions of the Eastern Churches.  Latin Rite Christians often speak only about how much time it takes to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. They should instead explore the richness that is in the liturgical celebrations. This would truly be synodality in action.