Migration as an opportunity to build bridges among all
MIAMSI is coming to Malta to discuss migration and the opportunity they offer to build bridges.
This will be MIAMSI's 12th general assembly, taking place between October 24-29 and hosted by the local member movement, Rinascità Cristiana Malta.
The theme for this encounter was selected by all 35 member countries (located in four continents) and is evidence of the eagerness with which MIAMSI bases its reflections on how best to live the Gospel within the very heart of the everyday life of the men and women of our times.
Following a meeting in Brussels in April 2006 of all the European MIAMSI organisations, during which a discussion on the best way of "living the Gospel together" was held, the subject of migration came to the attention of the delegations representing the various world movements. The theme proposed for this month's general assembly is Migrations, An Opportunity To Build Bridges: Families, Cultures, Religions And Peoples In Dialogue.
The 300 delegates who will be in Malta would like to believe that migrations among men are a source of life and progress. In effect, whatever the situation, possibilities for promoting a warm reception to each and every person in respect of his dignity always exist. Within the framework of mutual dialogue, the history and the situation of each individual, exchange of ideas and interaction may be an opportunity for the men and women of today to grow together.
The witness given by all the delegates coming from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America will make these exchanges more meaningful.
Expert speakers (sociologists, theologians) and representatives from international institutions together with an intervention by Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, will give the assembly the possibility of basing its discernment on the true realities in the world of today and on the texts proposed by the Magisterium of the Church and the Gospel, which is the Word of God.
Following these days of study and reflection, the message from the entire assembly, which will be proclaimed during the closing ceremony at St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, will surely be a sign of realism and also one of hope for all of us.
Evidently, internal matters relating to the statute of the organisation will also be addressed during the assembly. Therefore, during this meeting the election of the national group will ensure the responsibilities of the movement for the next four years.
Mr Guery is president of the International Movement of the Apostolate for the Independent Milieus (MIAMSI).
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Roderick Formosa
Nov 2nd 2008, 02:22
When those people or so called 'experts' solve the problems in their own countries regarding illegal immigration, then maybe they can come to help us out and give some advice, until then their speech will be better placed in a novel. when many of these countries sign and ratify the Convention on the protection of all migrant workers and members of their family
then we can maybe sit down around a table and speak on these matters.
Raymond Sammut
Oct 19th 2008, 15:10
@ Daniel Guery
The Word of God repudiates all activities of criminal syndicates operating in Africa, Europe and elsewhere. It repudiates the actions of those whom you call "migrants" who collaborate with these syndicates, put the lives of minors at risk, abuse international protocols, violate migration laws, and harm the economies of host countries. If you wish to use the Word of God in this way, then please do so at your own peril
Paul Muscat
Oct 18th 2008, 15:12
Yes, you build the bridge and we foot the bill ( not necessarily monetary) on this small rocky island without resources. And, yes, Ive heard the news that Pakistan arrested an American for entering Pakistan "illegally" Should ,nt we do the same?
a.cassar
Oct 18th 2008, 11:57
Daniel we do not want to build bridges in case we have to use them ourselves before long to leave Malta our only home.
l Galea
Oct 18th 2008, 09:47
Daniel Guery
Tell it to the marines Daniel.
We want to stop illegal immigration to Malta.
If you think immigration is good put your money where your mouth is and take all our illegal immigrants. That's the way to show us how to build bridges.