«My thoughts go to those who are far from their homeland and often also from their families,» the Pope said today while addressing the crowds in St. Peter’s Square. «I hope that they will always meet receptive friends and hearts on their path who are capable of supporting them in the difficulties of every day.»
The Holy Father made his appeal when recalling that June 1 marked the centenary of the death of Blessed Giovanni Battista Scalabrini (1839-1905), bishop of Piacenza, Italy, who dedicated his life to migrants.
The bishop founded the men and women Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, known as the Scalabrini.
As the Pope mentioned during his greeting, the Church has proclaimed Blessed Scalabrini patron of immigrants. He was beatified in November 1997.
A religious institute, the Scalabrini Lay Missionaries in Switzerland, has come into existence following the Scalabrini spirituality.
