"Every person has dignity, value, and a place to belong"
"Every person has dignity, value, and a place to belong"
On 4th May 2026, a thousand people gathered in Forest Gate for the 20th Anniversary of the annual Migrant Mass. Citizens UK community organiser Caroline Verdant reflects on the vibrant celebration and the power of people coming together across differences.
What a vibrant, joyful, and deeply moving occasion the 20th Anniversary of the Mass for Migrants was, held on Monday 4th May at St Antony's of Padua in Forest Gate.
More than 1,000 people from parishes across London gathered together in celebration, prayer, praise, and solidarity, a powerful reflection of the richness, faith, and diversity migrants bring to our communities and to our Church.
The energy in the room was incredible. Different cultures, languages, traditions, and stories came together as one, united by a shared message, every person has dignity, value, and a place to belong.
We were honoured by the presence of Archbishop Richard Moth, whose moving and thoughtful homily reminded us of the Gospel call to welcome, accompany, and stand alongside one another with compassion and humanity. His words captured both the challenges many migrants face and the hope, courage, and faith that so often define their journeys.
It was also wonderful to welcome Bishop Alan from Brentwood, whose presence alongside 20 priests, clergy and from across the London dioceses reflected the strong spirit of unity and solidarity that filled the celebration, alongside Sir Stephen Timms MP, who is a supporter of the migrant work that happens in the borough of Newham and the wider community.
"The energy in the room was incredible. Different cultures, languages, traditions, and stories came together as one, united by a shared message, every person has dignity, value, and a place to belong." - Caroline Verdant, Community Organiser at Citizens UK
Two powerful testimonies were shared by leaders from the Shpresa programme and East London Citizens leaders Arlinda and Jessica.
Behind every migrant journey is sacrifice, resilience, determination, and hope. Yesterday was an opportunity not only to honour those journeys, but also to recognise the enormous contribution migrants make every single day to our city, our schools, our workplaces, our churches, and our communities.
Adding to the joy of the Mass, was the Music provided by Nathan Chan and the St Antony's Choir alongside a live band from St Bonaventure's Catholic Secondary School and the St Antony's Church Gospel choir, which really helped to lift the spirits of those in attendance.
This was far more than a Mass. It was a witness to unity, faith, and the power of people coming together across differences, a reminder that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.
A truly uplifting and memorable celebration.
In 2006, the Migrants Mass was introduced by the then Archbishop of Westminster, the late Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, in collaboration with London Citizens. This call for justice and dignity for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers is rooted in traditions of Catholic Social Teaching.
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