“Even Just One of These Children,” is the theme that Pope Leo XIV has chosen to commemorate the Vatican’s 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The John J. Brunetti Human Trafficking Academy, in partnership with the Archdiocese of Miami, through Catholic Legal Services, Catholic Charities, and the Detention Ministry, as well as Gulf Coast JFCS and St. Thomas University Campus Ministry, hosted a panel discussion addressing contemporary issues surrounding migration. On September 28, 2026, the South Florida community was invited to St. Thomas University to reflect, pray, and act — to consider the realities and challenges faced by migrant and refugee communities throughout their journey from their countries of origin to their destination countries— struggles that often continue even after they settle in their host communities. The Catholic Church invites us to take action: to raise awareness around the world, identify opportunities to be part of the solution, and extend a helping hand to vulnerable people in need. In doing so, we respond to the call of the Holy Scriptures in Matthew 25:35: “to welcome the stranger,” and to always remember that each person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26) and possesses infinite dignity.

Dean Tarlika Nuñez-Navarro, welcomed the panelists and participants gathered in Goldbloom Convocation Hall. Dean Navarro noted that our country has always been welcoming of migrants and she reiterated the message of the Holy Father who asks us to act responsibly, to commit to integrating and supporting young migrants and refugees, to be in “the light of solidarity” present in our communities– bearing witness that “love can overcome indifference.” She noted that while we also celebrate the many achievements of our STU Law community, we are ready to send out the best lawyers in service of country and people, lawyers with a conscience who will champions of justice and missionaries for human dignity.

In her opening remarks and moderating the panel, Dr. Roza Pati, St. John Paul II Distinguished Professor of Law, and former member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, urged the audience to reflect on Pope Leo’s message as it is in the Holy Scripture as well: “when it comes to human beings it is not about numbers. Even just one. In singular. The Gospel speaks in singular. The shepherd leaves 99 for 1.” She enumerated the complex factors that condition unregulated migration: war, poverty, violence, natural and environmental disasters. It is difficult and dangerous for people to leave, but it is even more so to stay.  She reiterated the sentiments of a colleague, Dyman Colbert, also member of the Dicastery of Promoting Integral Human Development that the separation of families in the middle of mass deportations are a human issue, not a political issue. Humanity is what should guide good policy, law and practice. The issue we are discussing today is a human dignity matter, a common good matter, a human flourishing matter.

The panel brought together leaders from the fields of law, social services, and Church ministry. Randy McGrorty, Esq., a legal expert from Catholic Legal Services who protects and advocates for the rights of displaced persons navigating the immigration system, presented critical data highlighting the scale of the immigration crisis both globally and nationally. He also outlined how U.S. immigration policies are currently being interpreted, their direct impact on enforcement, and how these measures affect vulnerable populations. Monica Farias, a defender of unaccompanied minors, brought her extensive child welfare expertise to the panel discussion, highlighting how Catholic Charities provides safety, dignity, and independent living opportunities for vulnerable young people. During her presentation, Monica detailed the comprehensive foster care and shelter services provided by the organization, while also explaining the importance of community partnerships in successfully supporting these young arrivals. Abdel Dana Roca, Esq., a champion for refugee integration, brought a global humanitarian perspective to the panel, drawing on his extensive background with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to illustrate his current work leading holistic integration services for newcomers at Gulf Coast JFCS. Deacon Edgardo Farias, M.Div., Ph.D., a pastoral caregiver dedicated to those in need, offered his unique perspective as the Director of Detention Ministry for the Archdiocese of Miami to the panel, bridging practical theology with over thirty years of service to detained individuals and migrants. Throughout his remarks, Deacon Edgardo underscored how the Church, faith, and prayer serve as essential pillars of support and dignity to those enduring the hardships of confinement.

The panelists shared their experiences working with migrants and refugees in the United States, from visiting individuals in detention centers to advocating for and defending their rights in immigration court. The speakers also shed light on the current circumstances facing the country and offered a message of hope, reminding participants that every person can play a role in responding to the arrival of migrants and refugees—even through simple acts such as offering a smile, extending kindness, and making newcomers feel welcome.

The panel was preceded by mass, celebrated by Father Grzegorz (Greg) Rozborski, Assistant Professor of Theology at St. Thomas University. In his homily, Father Greg encouraged those gathered to recognize the value of every person we encounter, regardless of immigration status, simply because we are all “a presence of the Lord.” He reflected on several biblical stories of people forced to flee their homelands in search of safety from persecution and violence, including the Holy Family’s flight from Bethlehem to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from harm and death. Father Greg emphasized the importance of welcoming the stranger and fostering an atmosphere of belonging. Calling attention to the lived reality of migration and the inherent worth and dignity of every person on the move, he reminded the congregation: “We are all migrants and refugees, for we are not of this world. We are all on a pilgrimage toward our eternal home in Heaven.”