Merciful God, ;
we pray to you for all the men, women and children ;
who have died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life. ;
Though many of their graves bear no name, ;
to you each one is known, loved and cherished. ;
May we never forget them, but honour their sacrifice ;
with deeds more than words. ;
We entrust to you all those who have made this journey, ;
enduring fear, uncertainty and humiliation, ;
in order to reach a place of safety and hope. ;
Just as you never abandoned your Son ;
as he was brought to a safe place by Mary and Joseph, ;
so now be close to these, your sons and daughters, ;
through our tenderness and protection. ;
In caring for them may we seek a world ;
where none are forced to leave their home ;
and where all can live in freedom, dignity and peace. ;
;
Merciful God and Father of all, ;
wake us from the slumber of indifference, ;
open our eyes to their suffering, ;
and free us from the insensitivity ;
born of worldly comfort and self-centredness. ;
Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, ;
to see that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters. ;
May we share with them the blessings we have received from your hand, ;
and recognize that together, as one human family, ;
we are all migrants, journeying in hope to you, our true home, ;
where every tear will be wiped away, ;
where we will be at peace and safe in your embrace.
