Join Bishop Jorge Rodriguez in Celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees
This Friday, September 25, Pope Leo XIV invites us to recognize, welcome and accompany the most vulnerable. On the occasion of the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, the Holy Father is placing special attention on children and adolescents affected by migration, citing the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:10: “Even one of these little ones...”
The observance, established by Pope Benedict XV in 1914 as the “Day of the Migrant,” was created to raise awareness of the reality faced by those who leave their homeland in search of new opportunities and to accompany them through this difficult experience. Over the years, the observance was expanded to include refugees and those forced to leave their countries of origin.
The Archdiocese of Denver will join in the observance with a celebration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees this Friday, September 25, at All Saints Parish in Denver.
The celebration will include a multicultural Mass presided over by Denver Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez, followed by a festival featuring a variety of Colorado’s immigrant communities, including Hispanic, Vietnamese, Hmong, Burmese, Ukrainian, Lebanese, African and Pakistani communities, among others. Each community will share its traditions, food and culture, demonstrating that we are all united by one faith.
Through this celebration, the Church invites us to open our hearts to the beauty of diversity and to welcome every migrant and refugee as a brother or sister, respecting their inherent dignity and, in doing so, reflecting our love of neighbor.
In his message this year, the Holy Father invites us to pay particular attention to migrant children, who often suffer some of the most painful consequences of migration. In addition to facing difficult circumstances as they leave their countries of origin, many are separated from their parents and left without the protection and accompaniment they need.
“The suffering of migrant children does not end with their relocation. There are very young children who have lost parents, brothers, sisters and friends, and who have witnessed unspeakable acts of violence. Others, separated from their families for long periods, try to reunite with them while enduring the anguish of separation,” Pope Leo XIV said in his message.
Pope Leo XIV also noted that “sadly, migrant children are more easily ignored, because they lack adults capable of protecting and supporting them.” In this way, he reminds us that behind every story of migration is a face and a life that cannot be reduced to a number and that deserves to be protected.
In response to this call, the celebration offers us an opportunity to recognize not only the dignity of migrants and refugees, but also the richness they bring to our communities and to the building of this great country, which for many has represented a second chance.
All the faithful of the Archdiocese of Denver are invited to be part of this celebration and rejoice together as one Church. Join us with your family and friends for this day of encounter, prayer and celebration!
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
All Saints Parish
2559 S. Federal Blvd.Denver, CO 80219
6 p.m. Mass for migrants and refugees celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Rodríguez
7:30 p.m. Cultural celebration in the parish hall
