Cardinal William Goh, Archbishop of Singapore, has reiterated Pope Francis’ call for Catholics to welcome and appreciate the contributions of migrants to society. During the 110th World Day of Migrants and Refugees celebration at the Church of Saint Mary of the Angels, Cardinal Goh encouraged the faithful to be generous and compassionate towards migrants, acknowledging their significant role in building Singapore.
“Creation belongs to everyone, not just a selected group of people,” Cardinal Goh emphasized, urging Catholics to share their blessings and focus on the last, lost, and least. He stressed the importance of living out the Gospel and becoming the “face of Christ” to others, adding, “If we want to change the world, we need to first change ourselves.”
The event, organized by the Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People, drew over 1,400 migrants, collaborators, guests, and community members. Cardinal Goh led the Holy Eucharist celebration, accompanied by concelebrants and chaplains from various migrant communities. The multicultural gathering featured readings in multiple languages and performances showcasing diverse traditions.
Cardinal Goh’s message echoes Pope Francis’ concerns expressed during his Apostolic Visit to Singapore in September. The Pope advocated for fair wages and dignity for migrant workers, stating, “I hope that special attention will be paid to… protecting the dignity of migrant workers.” Cardinal Goh’s call to action reinforces the importance of embracing migrants’ contributions and promoting a culture of compassion and inclusivity.