Cardinal Parolin marks Scalabrini anniversary with New York Mass

Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrated a Mass in Manhattan on Sept. 20 to honor St. John Baptist Scalabrini’s 125th anniversary visit to the United States, underscoring the Church’s mission to migrants amid today’s shifting migration patterns. The commemoration also pointed to additional events in Washington later this fall.

Why it matters: - St. John Baptist Scalabrini is being highlighted as a model for the Church’s response to migration at a time when global migration patterns and political tensions remain intense. - Cardinal Pietro Parolin used the anniversary to call for a Church and world “without barriers, without strangers.” - The commemoration connects historical Catholic migration ministry to present-day efforts serving migrants, refugees and people on the move.

What happened: - Cardinal Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, celebrated a Solemn Mass at Our Lady of Pompeii Church in Manhattan on Sunday, Sept. 20, to mark the 125th anniversary of Scalabrini’s historic visit to the United States. - The New York celebration honored Scalabrini, founder of the Missionaries of St. Charles, and his legacy as a missionary to migrants. - The liturgy included offertory symbols associated with migrants, including flags from around the world, workers’ boots and luggage. - Attendees included Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune of Charleston, Apostolic Nuncio Christophe El-Kassis, Scalabrinian Superior General Rev. Leonir Chiarello, Italy’s UN ambassador Giorgio Marrapodi, and consuls general from Italy and the Philippines.

The details: - Cardinal Parolin said migration’s causes have “profoundly changed,” but the Church is still called to look beyond borders and political differences. - Parolin urged Scalabrinian missionaries and laypeople to renew their commitment to migrants and to support international cooperation that honors human dignity. - The cardinal said he was moved to speak from the same altar where Scalabrini addressed Italian immigrants 125 years ago. - Parolin pointed to Scalabrini’s “evangelical gaze,” describing migrants not as a social problem but as “a people on the move.” - Parolin recalled Scalabrini’s work founding the Scalabrinian congregations, encouraging Pope Leo XIII to send Mother Cabrini to New York and meeting President Theodore Roosevelt during a 100-day U.S. trip that began in New York and reached more than a dozen states and 20 cities from Boston to Kansas City. - A parishioner, Leonardo Maciel, said the celebration mattered to the Brazilian community and reflected the church’s broader role beyond the Italian migrants Scalabrini first served. - The Scalabrinians say their congregation is now an international community of priests and brothers serving migrants, refugees and people on the move in more than 30 countries across five continents.

Between the lines: - The event framed Scalabrini’s legacy as more than historical commemoration; it was presented as a blueprint for how the Catholic Church should approach migration now. - By emphasizing dignity, cooperation and accompaniment, the message aligned religious ministry with broader debates over migration policy and human rights. - The presence of diplomats, church leaders and parishioners from multiple countries showed the global reach of the Scalabrinian mission.

What's next: - The New York Mass is one of several events in the U.S. commemorating Scalabrini’s visit. - A Mass with Cardinal Robert W. McElroy is scheduled for Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. - The Scalabrinians will continue highlighting their work with migrants across more than 30 countries as the anniversary events continue.

The bottom line: - The New York commemoration turned a church anniversary into a renewed call for Catholic migration ministry that crosses borders, cultures and politics.