In preparation for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which took place on October 4^th and 5^th, 2025, the Diocese of Montreal celebrated the Jubilee of Migrants and Refugees on September 29^th at Mary Queen of the World Cathedral.

The solemn Mass was presided over by Archbishop of Montreal, Christian Lépine. The event, organized by the Office for Cultural and Ritual Communities under the direction of Alessandra Santopadre, was attended by approximately 1,200 people. This year’s inspiring theme was “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope.”

“Pope Francis has chosen to align this Day with the Jubilee of Migrants and the Missionary World, offering us a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound link between hope, migration, and mission ” wrote the archbishop in his pastoral letter on the occasion of this special event.

Photo credits: Office of Cultural and Ritual Communities - Alessandra Santopadre

Santapadre is also responsible for the sponsorship program for refugees and asylum seekers at the Archdiocese of Montreal. She shared the following comment with us after the celebration:

“Migrants have much to teach us about what is essential. Having left everything behind, they know how to distinguish between what is necessary and what is superfluous. Having risked everything, they know the price of freedom and dignity. Having hoped for everything, they can awaken us from our resignation and discouragement. Their cultures, traditions, and ways of praying enrich our own understanding of faith. For the Church is Catholic, that is, universal. She reveals herself fully when she welcomes the diversity of peoples and nations.”

She also added:

“Let us look at today’s migrants in this evangelical light. They are not only people in distress—although they are entitled to our compassion and assistance. They are, often without knowing it, bearers of hope.”

Elliana Jaramillo, an immigrant from Colombia, was present at the 111th World Day of Migrants. She has been in Canada for 16 years. She arrived in Montreal with her three children “overwhelmed by uncertainty.” Shortly after her arrival, she found a warm and welcoming refuge in the Catholic Church through the parish of Divine Love. Thanks to this community, she was able to find emotional and spiritual support.

“The community helped me find my place in this new city. I am grateful for this experience. The parish was my bridge to a new life. It was where I found my first job, which completely transformed my outlook on and experience of immigration,” said Jaramillo.

Photo credits: Office of Cultural and Ritual Communities - Alessandra Santopadre

Today, Jaramillo says she has “found a deep purpose in serving God through pastoral care.”

She is the Pastoral Animator for Cultural and Ritual Communities and works alongside Santapadre.

“By welcoming migrants and refugees who arrive in Montreal, I feel that I am fulfilling the mandate to love my neighbor as myself. Faith guides me to see each person as a child of God, worthy of love and respect. In every encounter, I seek to reflect the love of Christ and to offer a warm and compassionate embrace,” said Jaramillo.

Archbishop Lépine also reminded all of their responsibility toward their neighbor in his pastoral letter:

“Our beautiful city of Montreal has always been a welcoming place, a crossroads where cultures and hopes meet. Today more than ever, we are called to recognize our migrant brothers and sisters not as a burden, but as a true divine blessing.”