Understanding Human Realities - The Branches, September 22, 2026

Only, conduct yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear news of you, that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind struggling together for the faith of the gospel. (Philippians 1:27) 

September 22, 2026

Hello Everyone— 

Beginning yesterday and running through Sunday, Sept. 27, the Church again observes National Migration Week, which culminates in the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.Established over a century ago by the Holy See, WDMR is celebrated globally by Catholics as an opportunity to reflect on the migration experience and related issues through the lens of faith.

The theme chosen by Pope Leo XIV for this year’s WDMR is “Even just one of these children,” which is a reference to Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Although not the first time a pope has focused on children for this annual event, this emphasis challenges us once again to think intentionally on the particularly vulnerable situation that children face in the migration context and to consider how we can respond effectively to their unique needs.

National Migration Week offers Catholics in the United States an opportunity to reflect on the realities facing migrant children in our local communities and to deepen our understanding of their experiences. It also invites us, both individually and collectively, to consider how we can better welcome, accompany, and support them. What practical steps can we take to ensure that migrant children are protected throughout their journey and that they are safeguarded from exploitation and abuse.

There is a tendency at times to think that these are situations that happen somewhere else — that the issues I described do not exist locally. And therefore, someone else should deal with them. Like much of life, it is not that simply set aside or resolved.

A few months ago, I received a letter from a member of a migrant ministry functioning in one of the parishes here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. I share the following excerpt from the letter.I believe it speaks for itself.

Through our ministry, we have witnessed the resilience and blossoming of children when welcomed and surrounded by family and a loving community. Many of us now have “adopted” children as families have embraced us as their “family” in the USA. What a gift!Likewise, we have also witnessed the toll migration has on children.We have seen the pain of family separation. We have walked alongside children separated from their sibling who was left behind; watched US-born children growing up without a father due to deportation; a child who (at age 12) has instructions on what to do should his parents get detained; children who struggle with the different norms and cultural expectations of school, resulting in mental health diagnoses. These are our neighbors…. “Even just one of these children.” 

Therefore, I invite our parishes, schools, and Catholic institutions to utilize these days to deepen our understanding of these human realities, particularly the hardships suffered by migrant children and youth who search for safety and a place to call home. I invite each of us to spend time this week in prayer and concrete acts of solidarity, thereby building a more just and inclusive world. 

As I do for you, please pray for me,

Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob
Archbishop of Milwaukee