SINGAPORE — Cardinal William Goh of Singapore has urged Catholics to look to migrants as examples of faith and courage, calling them “missionaries of hope” whose resilience can renew the Church’s missionary spirit.
Celebrating Mass at St. Anne’s Church in Sengkang to mark the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Cardinal Goh reflected on the message of Pope Francis for this year’s observance, reminding the faithful that migrants often embody the Gospel through their perseverance.
“Singaporeans tend to take life for granted and we do not appreciate what migrants have to go through,” said the Cardinal.
“It is not easy to settle in a new country with different customs and languages. It takes a lot of courage to leave your homeland to find a better life for your family and yourself,” he added.
Around 500 migrants and parishioners joined the celebration, which featured cultural performances and traditional food from eight migrant communities.
The festival was co-organized by St. Anne’s Church and the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People (ACMI).
‘Missionaries of hope’
In his homily, Cardinal Goh said the stories of migrant workers who continue to hold fast to their faith despite hardship should inspire local Catholics to live with greater gratitude and solidarity.
Recalling Pope Francis’ theme for the World Day, he said migrants are not merely recipients of charity but “missionaries of hope” who bring the light of faith into new lands through their example and endurance.
The Archbishop also called on migrants to take part in evangelization through personal witness. “Many of your own countrymen are not Catholic,” he said. “Bring them to church, take them out for dinner, establish friendships, and share your faith.”
Building a welcoming Church
The event closed with a message from ACMI Chairperson Raymundo Yu, who shared ongoing efforts to foster understanding and friendship between locals and migrant communities.
Earlier this year, ACMI launched a “Migrant Awareness Module” for teenagers in several parishes—including St. Anne’s—designed to help young Catholics learn about migrants’ experiences and the Church’s call to treat them with dignity.
As part of the three-weekend program, the youth organized charity car washes and music performances to raise funds for gifts and necessities for migrant workers.
“Jesus showed us that life is meaningful when we care for our neighbours,” Yu said. “Let us be witnesses to God’s compassion and to hope.”
The celebration at St. Anne’s coincided with the global observance of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which the universal Church marked on October 4–5 during the Jubilee of the Missionary World and of Migrants in Rome.
