About the Emigrant Jubilee in Trincomalee
The Emigrant Jubilee, a special observance dedicated to migrants and the diaspora, is set to be celebrated in Trincomalee on October 4–5. In this edition of Nerkanal, we bring insights from Fr. Douglas James, administrator of the Divine Mercy Retreat in the Trincomalee Diocese. The event highlights how migrants, youth, and diaspora communities enrich the life of the church and society, inviting all to reflect on meaning, mercy, and communal solidarity.
The Catholic Church has long emphasized that emigrants are not merely travelers or statistics; their journeys—and the struggles and hopes they carry—offer life lessons for all. This Jubilee calls believers to listen to migrant stories, share burdens, and practice compassion in everyday acts of service and hospitality. In keeping with the spirit of the year, the message resonates with Pope Francis’ teaching: when we encounter migrants with openness and mercy, we encounter Christ in our midst.
Fr. Douglas James: A Voice for Migrants in Trincomalee
Fr. Douglas James, who serves as the administrator of the Divine Mercy Retreat in the Trincomalee Diocese, brings a long record of pastoral leadership to this Jubilee moment. Since his priestly ordination in 2005, he has held key roles within the diocese, including directing the catechetical programs at the diocesan level and serving as parish administrator for several communities. He now contributes as a director on the diocesan board, guiding initiatives that support emigrants, their families, and the broader local Catholic community.
In our conversation, Fr. James underscored that the migratory journeys of people—whether for work, study, or reuniting with loved ones—are not a threat to social cohesion but an invitation to grow in faith, patience, and mutual respect. He drew on the Jubilee’s themes to encourage parishes to listen first, welcome warmly, and accompany migrants with practical help—from language support and employment guidance to spiritual care and community integration.
Key Messages: Migrants, Youth, and the Diaspora
Fr. James spoke about the importance of including migrant stories in parish life and youth ministry. By hearing firsthand experiences of leaving home and building new lives abroad, communities learn resilience, creativity, and hope. The Jubilee also serves as a reminder that youth voices within the diaspora contribute to the Church’s mission, enriching liturgy, service projects, and social outreach with diverse perspectives and experiences.
For families left behind, the Jubilee is an occasion to reaffirm bonds and offer ongoing spiritual and practical support. The diocese envisions more programs that connect emigrants with their homelands—through pilgrimages, online catechesis, and sharing of local church news—so that distance becomes a bridge rather than a barrier to faith and belonging.
A Call to Compassion: Pope Francis’ Example in Everyday Life
The interview reiterates Pope Francis’ urging to regard emigrants with mercy and to learn from their life stories. Jesus’ example of compassion toward a crowd is offered as a model for parish communities: see the vulnerable, respond with kindness, and create spaces where migrants feel welcomed, protected, and valued. The Emigrant Jubilee thus becomes both a celebration and a practical mission—to build inclusive communities that reflect the Gospel’s call to mercy and solidarity.
Why October 4–5 Matters for Trincomalee and Beyond
Marking these dates, the Jubilee invites the faithful to engage in mindful prayer, reflective storytelling, and acts of service. The initiative aims to strengthen the bond between home communities and migrant families, while encouraging a culture of hospitality within the church. As Fr. James notes, the journey may be long, but the destination—communities of trust, care, and shared faith—is worth pursuing together.
How to Engage
Interested readers can participate by attending Jubilee events in Trincomalee, joining parish programs that support emigrants, and sharing migrant stories within their own communities. The emphasis remains on listening, learning, and acting with mercy, so that the Emigrant Jubilee contributes to a more inclusive, compassionate church and society.
