September 21–27, 2026
For over 45 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week (NMW). This is an opportunity to reflect on our history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which our country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. It is also an occasion to grow in appreciation of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, both in the United States and beyond, and to express solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy.
This year, NMW takes place September 21–27. It will culminate with the Universal Church's annual commemoration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) on the last Sunday of the month (September 27).
Pope Leo XIV chose "Even just one of these children" for this year's WDMR theme, which is a reference to Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” When this theme was announced, the Vatican noted, “With this choice, the Holy Father intends to express the Church’s concern for minors directly involved in migration, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them as the Gospel teaches us.”
In solidarity with the Holy Father, NMW will use the same theme as WDMR, emphasizing the ways in which this theme and its application to the migration question is important for the Church in the United States.
Several resources are available below to assist local communities with commemorating NMW and WDMR.
Press Release
The USCCB has issued a press release discussing the history and purpose of NMW/WDMR, which includes a statement from the chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration, Bishop Brendan Cahill.
Justice for Immigrants
The USCCB's Justice for Immigrants campaign offers various resources to help communities celebrate NMW/WDMR, including a toolkit.
A Path Toward Justice: A National Prayer Service Honoring the Many Journeys that Shaped America
In observance of the United States’ 250th anniversary, a prayer service template was developed by the USCCB to acknowledge and honor the many diverse communities that have journeyed to the United States in search of hope, safety, and opportunity, while also recognizing the voices, sufferings, and enduring contributions of those who were forcibly brought to this land.
Migration and Catholic Social Teaching
This resource discusses the main principles derived from Catholic social teaching in relation to migration, as well as the Church's perspective on specific areas, such as irregular migration and immigration reform.
Prayer Booklet
This resource includes several different prayers related to migrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking.
Policy and Advocacy
Learn more about current issues in the area of immigration law and policy from the Secretariat of Migration's Office of Policy and Advocacy.
Pope Leo XIV's Message
The Holy Father has issued a message to the Universal Church reflecting on his chosen theme of "Even just one of these children" for WDMR 2026.
Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
The Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development provides WDMR posters in multiple languages and other free resources.
The USCCB's Secretariat of Migration is hosting a public webinar for WDMR, featuring several expert panelists who will highlight some of the key implications of this year's theme. These experts will shed light on both the international and domestic dynamics facing children in the context of migration. Registration is required in advance.
Register
Leading up to NMW/WDMR, Bishop Brendan Cahill, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Migration, stated: "We owe much gratitude to the law enforcement officers, social workers, pastoral staff, and caregivers who dedicate themselves to their safety and well-being. As we see protections for this population being undermined in various ways, including prolonged stays in detention and decreased access to legal representation, we urge governments and communities to ensure a high level of care rooted in their God-given human dignity. This requires promoting family unity and reunification whenever possible."
View the full statementAnother concrete way to commemorate National Migration Week/World Day of Migrants and Refugees is by signing The Cabrini Pledge and inviting others to join you:
The Cabrini Pledge is both a reminder of our immigrant heritage and a call to deeper engagement with our faith in response to current events. At a time when our culture is dominated by deep political divisions and reasonable disagreements about immigration policy, progress can feel impossible. But by witnessing to the God-given dignity of every person, including the migrants and refugees in our midst, we pave the way for an approach rooted in mercy, justice, and the common good. And together, like Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, we can be keepers of hope.
Explore the call
Bishop Cristiano Barbosa, auxiliary bishop of Boston, member of the USCCB's Committee on Migration, and an immigrant from Brazil, shares how immigrants have shaped the Church in Boston and how Catholics can respond to the child in our midst.
At their November 2025 Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops of the United States voted nearly unanimously to adopt a special message on immigration. It marked the first time in twelve years the U.S. bishops invoked this method of speaking.
