A concrete pastoral plan for the care of migrant workers and itinerant people, responding to their daily needs and expressing the Church’s gratitude for their contribution to Taiwanese society, was launched during the first Gathering for Migrant Workers and Immigrants held in Taoyuan Arena, in the Diocese of Hsinchu, northern Taiwan, on Sunday, September 21.
According to Fides, the event drew more than 8,000 people, including archbishops, bishops, about 400 priests, consecrated men and women, parish communities, and thousands of migrant workers. The majority of participants came from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, countries that provide a large portion of Taiwan’s overseas labor force. Migrant workers are employed mainly in factories, households, and the caregiving sector, and play a vital role in Taiwan’s economy and society.
The gathering was part of the national observance of the Jubilee of Hope, organized by the Bishops of the Regional Episcopal Conference of Taiwan. Church leaders stressed that it was not an isolated celebration but part of a broader pastoral journey to recognize migrants as brothers and sisters in faith and to strengthen their place within the Church’s mission.
The morning session included testimonies and cultural presentations by immigrant communities. Monsignor Erwin Balagapo, Undersecretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, attended as the papal delegate. He delivered the message of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery, who underlined that the care of migrants “is rooted in the very Word of God” and that they should be seen “not as a problem but as persons who bear the living face of Christ.”
In the afternoon, Bishop John Baptist Lee of Hsinchu, President of the Regional Episcopal Conference, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, joined by Bishop Martin Su of Taichung and Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taipei.
At the conclusion, Bishop Su presented new pastoral guidelines, which local church communities will implement in the coming years. As Fides noted, the plan aims to ensure that migrants in Taiwan are welcomed, supported, and accompanied as full members of the Church’s life and mission.
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