On this day in 1890 Ellis Island in New York harbour was designated as an immigration station.
When it opened on January 1, 1892, the first to pass through was a teenage Irish girl named Annie Moore.
It is estimated that when Ellis Island finally closed in 1943 about 12 million people had passed through seeking sanctuary.
Annie Moore’s story is beautifully captured in the song “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears”.
Lord,
so many people in our world have been displaced and are seeking sanctuary.
We ask that you bless all migrants and refugees.
They often take hazardous journeys to escape conflict, oppression, famine and poverty.
Many wind up spending long periods in detention centres waiting for their applications to be processed.
We remember the millions of people presently displaced by the war in Ukraine and give thanks for those countries who are providing a welcome for them.
May all refugees find a similar welcome.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
Ellis Island main Entrance
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