Theology

of
Migration
Fr. Fabio Baggio, CS
 Outline
General Migration in
Introduction the Bible Hospitality Catholicity

Critical
View
Introduction
Fr. Fabio Baggio is a missionary of the
Scalabrinian Congregation (Missionaries of
San Charles Borromeo)
Exodus Series
Are an important contribution in the field of
formation, which the Pontifical Council for
the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant
People deeply appreciates and encourages.
 IDEA OF ARTICLE
The article offers a reflection on the topic of human
mobility and its place in theology, particularly in the field
of Pastoral Theology. Fr. Fabio suggests three possible
paths of reflection on migration, using the trinomial Bible-
Tradition-Magisterium as an interpretative ground. The
article argues that human mobility is a topic that has
already acquired full rights in Theology’s Olympus.
 Migration in The Scriptures
Old Testament
Throughout the Salvation's history, there have
been numerous instances of migration. These
experiences signify the separation between
humanity and God, as well as the continuous
yearning for the "Promised Land." The sequence
of exiles, deportations, exodus, and returns are
part of a dynamic process of divine punishment
and a pathway toward reconciliation.
 OLD TESTAMENT
The Beginning of The Patriarchs and The Prophets
Humankind the Promises and the Path to
Conversion
Biblical Foundations of Migration Theology
Adam and Eve
The first humans were exiles
from the Garden of Eden, and
their story can help us
understand the challenges
faced by migrants today.

Abraham
The father of many nations
was also a migrant, leaving
his homeland to journey to the
promised land.
The Exodus
The Israelites' journey from
slavery in Egypt to freedom in
the promised land is a
foundational story for
understanding the experiences
of migrants and refugees.
NEW TESTAMENT
The Holy Family
The Holy Family's flight to
Egypt to escape King Herod's
persecution is a powerful
reminder of the vulnerability of
migrants and the need for
hospitality.
 NEW TESTAMENT
Jesus Christ and the
Precariousness of
Human Life

"Our homeland is
in heaven."
(Phil 3: 20)
Alienness as a Permanent Condition
of Earthly Existence
HOSPITALITY
The friendly and generous reception and
entertainment of guests, visitors, or
strangers.

The hospitality is the

presence of God in the
foreigners. So, it is
important to practice
hospitality
 HOSPITALITY

Hospitality Hospitality Hospitality

in the Old in the Old in Patriarch
Testament Testament Traddition
 HOSPITALITY
1 The Prodigal Son
The story of the prodigal son, who was
welcomed back by his father despite his
past mistakes, is a powerful example of
hospitality and forgiveness.

Abraham and the Three Strangers 2

Abraham's hospitality towards three
strangers who appeared at his tent is an
inspiring example of Christian charity.

3 Zaccheus
The story of Zaccheus, the tax collector
who climbed a tree to see Jesus, shows
how Christian hospitality can transform
lives.
 THE THEME OF CATHOLICITY
Migrants have an essential
role to play in the
realization of the Universal
Kingdom

Bible Tradition Magisterium

 THE THEME OF CATHOLICITY
. The migrants’ role in realizing the Universal
Kingdom is a fundamental aspect of migration
theology, which needs to be explored in depth.

The Church as a Universal The Church's Mission of

Community Migrants as Witnesses to Encounter and Dialogue
God's Love

The Church is a community of The Church is called to promote greater

people from all nations, tribes, and
languages. As such, it has a special
responsibility to welcome and care
for migrants.
Migrants can bring new gifts and
understanding and cooperation between
perspectives to the Church, enriching
migrants and host communities and to
its diversity and helping it to be more
advocate for more just and equitable
welcoming and inclusive.
policies.
Critical Review of Fr. Baggio's Article
Positive
• Fr. Baggio's article emphasizes the
importance of Scripture and Christian
tradition in migration theology.
• He highlights the role of migrants in the
Catholic Church and in the realization of the
Universal Kingdom.
• He emphasizes the importance of the
Hospitality, which exists from the beginning.
Critical Review of Fr. Baggio's Article
Negative
• More in-depth discussion of the challenges faced by
migrants and refugees, including those related to
poverty, violence, and discrimination.
• More exploration of the potential tensions and
conflicts that can arise between migrants and host
communities and the role of the Church in promoting
greater understanding and dialogue.
• Discussion of the Church's role in advocating for
more just and equitable development policies and in
addressing the root causes of migration.
 CONCLUSIO
N
The article offers a reflection on the topic of human mobility and its place in
theology, particularly in the field of Pastoral Theology. Fr. Fabio suggests three
possible paths of reflection on migration, using the trinomial Bible-Tradition-
Magisterium as an interpretative ground. The article argues that human
mobility is a topic that has already acquired full rights in Theology’s Olympus.
 CONCLUSIO
N
• Migration theology provides insights into God's presence in the
experiences of migrants.
• Biblical stories and themes of hospitality and Catholicity provide a
basis for understanding migration.
• The Church has a special responsibility to care for and advocate for
migrants and to promote greater understanding and dialogue.
• Fr. Baggio's article emphasizes the importance of Scripture and
Christian tradition but could go further in addressing the challenges and
conflicts of migration and the role of the Church in promoting greater
justice and equity.