Three dioceses celebrate World Migrant and Refugee Day in El Palancar

On Sunday, September 27, the three dioceses of Extremadura held the World Day of Migrants and Refugees with an interdiocesan meeting at the convent of El Palancar, located in Pedroso de Acim. The event brought together migrant individuals and collaborators from the pastoral of migrations from various points in the region. Approximately one hundred participants from the Archdiocese were involved in this pastoral work, coming from towns such as Badajoz, Mérida, Fuente del Maestre, and Los Santos de Maimona, among others. They joined representatives from the dioceses of Coria-Cáceres and Plasencia for this celebration.

The gathering focused on the theme of the World Day, "Even one of these little ones," taken from the Gospel of Matthew: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me" (Mt 18:5). The event particularly highlighted the experiences of children and adolescents facing migration. The morning began with the welcoming of participants and various activities. While the younger attendees engaged in a game centered on children's rights, adults shared testimonies and experiences related to the realities of migration.

The Eucharistic celebration allowed participants to present to God the situations and hopes of many individuals who have had to leave their places of origin, finding in the Church a space for welcome, accompaniment, and connection. After the celebration, participants made a pilgrimage to the Convent of San Pedro de Alcántara, where the traditional festival of migrants took place. This moment of togetherness and celebration allowed the sharing of the cultural richness of the different communities present. The day concluded at 5:30 PM with a farewell prayer prepared by the Franciscans, marking the end of a gathering that once again united the three dioceses of Extremadura around the welcome and support of migrants and refugees.