At the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, a quiet testimony from a Filipina migrant became the spark for a global appeal. Pope Leo XIV, visibly moved after hearing the story of a displaced worker from the Philippines, urged the Church to stand firmly with families uprooted by conflict — and to ensure that those who flee violence never find closed doors in their hour of need.
The Pontiff’s message was anchored on the experience of Loren Capobres, a Filipina who worked in Lebanon for 17 years and now serves with the Jesuit Refugee Service. She shared how parish communities, especially St. Joseph’s Tabaris Parish, transformed into sanctuaries during waves of violence — offering shelter, food, and safety to migrants who suddenly found themselves homeless. One story struck the Pope most: a Sudanese couple, James and Lela, trapped by their employer during bombardments, escaping with their newborn and walking for three days until the parish finally welcomed them in.
Pope Leo said their ordeal captures both the brutal cost of war and the resilience of families who refuse to surrender to despair. Their courage, he noted, is “God’s light in the darkest moments,” a reminder that communities of faith must take a stand so no one is forced to flee because of “senseless and cruel conflicts.” He stressed that when displaced families knock on church doors, they must be met with the same words Capobres heard at every Mass: “Welcome home.”
Capobres’ testimony also highlighted the dignity and contributions of migrant workers—builders, caregivers, volunteers, and culture-bearers whose lives enrich the places they serve. The Pope echoed this truth, saying parishes must continue to be centers of protection, belonging, and love. Echoing Pope Francis’ long-standing call for solidarity, he reminded the gathering that the suffering of displaced families “concerns and challenges us all,” urging the Church to stay firmly in their corner.
Image from CNS photo/Vatican Media