National Migration Week 2025

Last week we celebrated Migration Week, which took place on September 22-28 and culminates with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR). Although WDMR typically occurs on the last Sunday of September, this year it will take place on October 4-5 to coincide with the Jubilee of Migrants. The primary theme for this year’s WDMR is “Migrants, missionaries of hope. According to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Integral Human Development, this theme “considers the courage and tenacity of migrants and refugees in the light of the current Jubilee. They bear witness to hope for the future despite difficulties. It is the hope of happiness beyond borders that leads them to entrust themselves totally to God.

Migrants and refugees become “missionaries of hope” in their host communities, often helping to revitalize the faith of local communities and promoting inter-religious dialogues based on common values. They are also often at risk of being victimized for both labor and sexual exploitation.

During this year’s celebration it is important to recognize that, like migrants, victims and survivors of trafficking are an example of resilience and renewal to our societies. In their darkest moments they often have little else to cling to than the hope of a better life in the future. Walking in solidarity with those who have been trafficked is an opportunity for Christians to live out their Gospel call to care for and journey with the most vulnerable among us. The Church not only defends human dignity but makes it essential to promoting the well-being of all its members.



We also recently launched The Cabrini Pledge (in English, in Spanish) as a reminder of our Church and nation’s immigrant heritage and a call to deeper engagement with our faith in response to current events. Together, like Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, we can be keepers of hope. Please sign and share this pledge. 

Please also watch a short video of Bishop Mark Seitz, who introduced the pledge. 

The United Nations Office of Drug and Crime, celebrates the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, take a look at our Pray With Us series.

The 2025  World Day Against Trafficking in Persons theme “Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation.” urges us reflect on the root causes of human trafficking, appreciate how it is often driven by organized crime networks, and emphasizes the need for coordinated responses and strong victim protection. Human trafficking is often a coordinated and organized crime led by perpetrators and strong networks that exploit the vulnerable for profit. During his Pontificate, Pope Francis reflected on the work of the Church in the fight against human trafficking, and condemned economic systems that exploit labor workers. He urged Catholics to "to be more responsive, to open our lives and hearts to our sisters and brothers, who even now are being bought and sold as slaves. It is never too late to take action."

Native and Indigenous Anti-Trafficking Project

Within the past few years, the Anti-trafficking office has been working on a prevention and education curriculum with Native and Indigenous Communities across the United States. This project is a branch of the AMISTAD Movement designed to address human trafficking in Native and Indigenous communities. Currently in its pilot phase, it is being implemented among Native Hawaiians in Honolulu, HI, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in Upstate NY. The program begins with a comprehensive needs assessment using surveys, focus groups, and interviews to understand local risk factors. It then raises awareness through culturally sensitive, interactive training sessions, employing a “train the trainer” model to equip local leaders for ongoing education. It focuses on multi-disciplinary approach of Catholic Schools, Catholic Parishes, and Healthcare. Resources will be available in English and native/local languages to ensure accessibility and long-term impact. 

Read more here!

We are thrilled to announce that we have a new St. Bakhita prayer card! Amy Heyse painted the beautiful piece of art that graces the front. Although we cannot print to order, we can share with you a PDF version of the prayer card.

We also have the prayer card available in Spanish. For more information, please email [email protected]

If you want to learn more about the USCCB/MRS'

Anti-Trafficking Program, reach out to:

Felicitas Brugo Onetti

Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (202) 541-3064