A Call to Compassion and Justice: A Statement to School Leaders on Migration From the Province Leadership of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers

Dear School Leaders,

As educators dedicated to the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, we are called to serve with hearts open to the most vulnerable, following the example of Jesus Christ. In light of Pope Francis' Letter to the American Bishops on Migration, we reaffirm our commitment to welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating migrants and refugees into our communities.

Pope Francis reminds us that migration is not merely a political issue but a deeply human and moral challenge that calls for a response rooted in faith, justice, and compassion. He urges us to move beyond fear and division, embracing a vision of solidarity that upholds the dignity of every person, regardless of their place of origin. As Edmund Rice educators, we must ensure that our schools are places where the marginalized are not only welcomed but cherished.

Inspired by the Gospel and our Edmund Rice charism, we call on school leaders to:

1. Foster a Culture of Encounter - Create spaces where students and staff can engage with the stories and struggles of migrants, cultivating empathy and understanding.
2. Advocate for Justice - Educate students about the social and economic factors that drive migration and empower them to be voices for policies that uphold human dignity and the common good.
3. Accompany the Vulnerable - Provide practical support for immigrant and refugee students and families, ensuring they feel valued and included in our school communities.
4. Form Hearts for Service - Encourage students to see migration not as a problem but as an opportunity to live out the Gospel call to love our neighbor without distinction.

As Pope Francis reminds us, “It is not just about migrants; it is about all of us.” In responding to the needs of our migrant brothers and sisters, we renew our own commitment to Christ, who himself was a refugee.

We stand in solidarity with you, our school leaders, as you carry forward this mission of love, justice, and inclusion. May our work together reflect the transformative power of the Gospel and the unwavering hope that no one is a stranger in God’s kingdom. In faith and mission,

The Province Leadership Team

Peter Zawot Peter O’Loughlin, Michael Segvich, Edward Bergeron, Sean Moffett.