The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office has published resources to support the commemoration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 25.

The theme for the 108th such event is “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”. In his message, Pope Francis says no one should be excluded, adding that God’s inclusive plan “gives priority to those living on the existential peripheries”, especially migrants, refugees, displaced people and those seeking asylum.

The Pope encourages everyone, but especially young people, to value and recognise the contribution migrants and refugees make to enriching the process of building the future together.

Pope Francis says the Kingdom of God is to be built with migrant and refugees, “for without them it would not be the Kingdom that God wants”.

“The inclusion of those most vulnerable is the necessary condition for full citizenship in God’s Kingdom,” he wrote.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry, uses his message in this year’s Migrant and Refugee Kit to invite people to reflect more deeply on this special day.

Migrants and refugees should never to be seen as a burden, Archbishop Prowse wrote, but a welcome “source of enrichment” as they bring with them their gifts and talents to help build up our country and God’s kingdom.

Together, all people “embrace God’s future on our journey”, he wrote.

Fr Khalid Marogi, the director of the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, said the kit will support parishes, schools and other Church ministries in marking the World Day of Migrant and Refugees.

The kit includes easily available resources prepared by the Office, including stories celebrating the diversity of the Church in Australia, prayers for various settings and details for ministries that work with migrants and refugees.

Access the kit and other resources at: www.acmro.catholic.org.au/