MAY 18.  5th Sunday of Easter. Pope Leo XIV at his inauguration Mass on this day will no doubt repeat this message. Fr Abel told the congregation, “We have used today’s gospel passage for many of our reflections during Lent and Easter already. “Love one another as I have loved you.” Today I want to share a special story. I want to tell you about a family in our community.  The Mambus are a three generation migrant family. Mr and Mrs Mambu were fortunate that during a very troubled time they were able to leave the DRC with their younger daughter Lily, taking her with them especially for her safety and protection from any harm.  However, their older boys were left with their maternal grandparents who had decided to remain in their village. It was difficult for them being separated like that and safety was still everyone’s concern. They had all hoped that the conflict would end soon, so that they could be reunited. Imagine everyone’s delight when through the intervention of our parish Justice and Peace group the whole family has finally been able to be safe and happy together in their new home.  Let us welcome them warmly to our community on this special day for them too.”    

Reflect, share and act. Scripture.  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:33-35. Pope Francis:   Forced migration of families resulting from situations of war, persecution, poverty and injustice and marked by the difficulties of a journey that puts lives at risk traumatises people and destabilizes families. In accompanying migrants the Church needs a pastoral programme addressed to families that migrate but also to those members who remain behind.  Respect for their cultures, for the human and religious formation from which they come and the spiritual richness of their rites and traditions require special pastoral care. AL 46. JUBILEE.  Signs of hope should also be present for migrants who leave their homelands behind in search of a better life for themselves and for their families. Their expectations must not be frustrated by prejudice and rejection. Exiles, displaced persons and refugees, whom international tensions force to emigrate in order to avoid war, violence and discrimination, ought to be guaranteed security and access to employment and education, the means they need to find their place in a new social context. Pray.  Mary, caring mother of all families, especially those displaced, pray for us.