Dignity for migrants should be our guiding light, insists ‘Cabrini’ film star
2025-01-18 12:00
By Benedict Mayaki, SJ
Vatican City – As the world marks International Migrants Day, renowned actress Lesley Manville has called for upholding the dignity of migrants and refugees, saying they should be treated with the same respect accorded to all human beings.
“I think we just have to remember that they’re human beings…they deserve the same dignity as anybody else,” said Manville, who stars as Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in a new film titled “Cabrini.”
The film, which premiered at the Vatican on 17 January, tells the story of the Italian-born nun who dedicated her life to serving migrants and refugees in the United States.
Manville said she was drawn to the role because of Cabrini’s “extraordinary” life and her commitment to helping those in need.
“She was a woman of great faith and courage, and she never gave up on her mission to help migrants and refugees,” Manville said.
The actress said she hopes the film will help raise awareness of the plight of migrants and refugees today.
“I think it’s important to remember that migration is a global issue, and it’s something that affects all of us,” Manville said. “We need to work together to create a more just and humane world for everyone.”
Pope Francis: Migrants and refugees are our brothers and sisters
In his message for International Migrants Day, Pope Francis said that migrants and refugees “are our brothers and sisters, who seek a better life for themselves and their families.”
“Let us not forget that they are also bearers of great potential, capable of contributing to the development of our communities,” the Pope said.
Pope Francis urged Catholics to welcome and support migrants and refugees, and to work to ensure that their rights are respected.
“Let us pray that all migrants and refugees may find safety, respect and dignity in every corner of the world,” the Pope said.
At the Vatican premiere of “Cabrini,” Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Vatican’s Prefect for the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said the film is a “powerful reminder” of the Church’s commitment to migrants and refugees.
“Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is a model for all of us who work to uphold the dignity of migrants and refugees,” Cardinal Czerny said. “Her example teaches us that we must never give up on our mission to help those in need.”
Background on International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day is observed on 18 December each year to promote the rights and well-being of migrants and refugees around the world.
The day was first established by the United Nations in 1990. The theme of this year’s International Migrants Day is “Harnessing the Potential of Human Mobility.”
Dignity for migrants should be our guiding light, insists ‘Cabrini’ film star
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Culture and Education a new article on 2025-01-18 12:00 titled “Dignity for migrants should be our guiding light, insists ‘Cabrini’ film star”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
2