A bishop in Malta has asked every parish in his diocese to host at least one refugee family from Iraq or Syria.
Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo in Malta made the call during a homily on the feast of Our Lady of Victories.
“I have in my heart all those who are victims of atrocity, fighting in Iraq and Syria, but particularly to our fellow Christians. In the words of Pope Francis, these persecuted Christians are in the heart of Mother Church,” the bishop said.
Bishop Grech asked how it was possible to stay passive when countless Christians are being killed or exiled for their faith.
“Each parish should adopt a family and undertake to provide accommodation where they live and the means to live,” he said.
“I know that our people have a big heart and could be generous with those in need,” he added.
The bishop said he would write to civil authorities and the apostolic nunciature to tell them of the parishes’ readiness to help.