Celebrating a Migrants Jubilee in Trincomalee
As October arrives, the town of Trincomalee prepares for a Migrants Jubilee that highlights the journeys, struggles, and contributions of migrant communities. The event, scheduled for October 4 and 5, draws attention to Pope Francis’s call to see migrants not as mere travelers but as members of a shared human family with rich stories to tell. The jubilee becomes a space where the voices of the diaspora can be heard, celebrated, and integrated into the local life of the church and society.
The celebration in Trincomalee is more than a ceremonial observance. It is a forum where faith, culture, and lived experience intersect. Diocese leaders and lay faithful alike emphasize that the migrant experience carries lifelong lessons—resilience, faith, and hope—that can enrich communities back home. This year’s spotlight invites people to listen deeply to the young voices among the diaspora and to recognize their experiences as a source of social and spiritual renewal.
The Interview: Insights from Father Douglas James
In an exclusive conversation organized by Marina Raj of Vaathikan radio, the diocese invites reflections from the diaspora through the lens of a seasoned priest, Father Douglas James. hailing from the Trincomalee region, Father James has served the local church since his priestly ordination in 2005. In his various roles—ranging from parish leadership to diocesan programs—he has become a voice that bridges communities, ages, and walks of life. The interview will explore how migrants and their families navigate life abroad, how they maintain ties to their homeland, and how their experiences can inform the church’s mission to accompany those on society’s margins.
Father James emphasizes that the Jubilee is a reminder of the church’s call to mercy and accompaniment. He reflects on the dignity of every migrant, the solidarity needed to support families separated by distance, and the practical steps communities can take to welcome newcomers. His insights resonate with Pope Francis’s insistence that caring for migrants strengthens the fabric of society and enriches both host communities and the diaspora with a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
Why This Jubilee Matters to the Diaspora
The Migrants Jubilee in Trincomalee serves as a compass for how local churches can respond to global realities. For many in the Sri Lankan diaspora, migration is not a choice but a response to economic, social, or political pressures. The jubilee creates a space for these stories to be acknowledged—stories of sacrifice, adaptation, and faith—while also inviting return and reintegration into the homeland’s communal life. Father James notes that the dialogue inspired by the jubilee is not about lament alone, but about transforming hardship into solidarity—through prayer, community organizations, and practical support networks that follow migrants beyond borders.
The Message for Youth and the Wider Community
A recurring theme in the discussion is how young people, both in Sri Lanka and abroad, are shaping new narratives of migration. The interview advocates listening to youth voices, learning from their experiences, and encouraging responsible diaspora engagement that benefits families left behind and those who have migrated. The Jubilee invites all generations to participate in acts of hospitality—mentally, emotionally, and materially—so that migrants can contribute their talents and continue to grow within a supportive community.
Looking Ahead: A Path of Compassion and Collaboration
As the Migrants Jubilee unfolds, the broader message remains clear: compassion is action. The Trincomalee celebration invites churches, civic groups, and families to collaborate in building inclusive spaces where migrants find welcome, and where their journeys become opportunities for mutual growth. The interview with Father Douglas James reminds listeners that the journey toward a more humane society begins with listening—to each other’s stories, to the vulnerable, and to the teachings that call us to walk with one another in hope.
