"Advent and Migrants" aims to be a space for reflection on issues of great social and human relevance, with a particular focus on the condition of migrants.

It is an initiative of the International Network of Migrants and Refugees of the UISG, which accompanies us during this time of Advent.

Each week, we will explore a different aspect of their life experience in the light of the Gospel, which guides us on our journey toward Christmas, with the goal of raising awareness and renewing our commitment to those who are forced to leave their homeland.

During the first week, the commentary on the Gospel of Luke (21:25-28, 34-36) is provided by Maryanne Loughry, Sister of Mercy.

Climate Displacement is a very important concept to understand and is one of the biggest challenges of our times. It is a challenge that for some is in the future and for others is upon us now.

What we know:

• Our climate is changing and impacting our lives and the lives of our communities.
• We also know that climate change is one of many factors-poverty, conflict, poor governance-causing displacement.
• It is not climate change alone; climate change often plays a role of multiplying these other factors!

Advent is a time of coming, arrival. Imagine for those displaced, they rarely arrive. Of necessity they are required to keep moving, in the boats, over the walls and in the buses and trucks. To survive they need to move. 

With climate change many of us do not yet know if we will be displaced or when we will be displaced.

Climate change has arrived and the call for all of us is to recognise its arrival and to begin to grasp its present and future impact and our responsibility, particularly to those forced to move and keep moving!