The Holy Father asserts in his message, quoting Acts 17:26 that "All peoples are one community and have one origin, because God caused the whole human race to dwell on the face of the earth." Every nation, every race, every tongue, every culture, every family, every person is more worth than the anything else in this world. One human family is the language of solidarity and compassion. People are interconnected with one another because of the very source and foundation of our humanity who is God Himself.

This belief has been promoted by our commission through the diligent effort of our Migrants' chaplains and pastoral workers throughout the island. Migrant workers, immigrants, locally displaced people, victims of human trafficking are all one in the love of God. They are our brothers and sisters under the Fatherhood of One God.

Lot of extraordinary things happened in the past and still happening now with regards to the pastoral care of the people on the move in Taiwan. Our chaplains have taken extra effort in bringing the knowledge of God to those people who are considered least in Taiwan society through their generosity of heart. They fought for their rights and dignity without counting the cost.

The inclusion of the pastoral care of the road/street is another great challenge to our commission and because of this we need the cooperation of the religious institutions who handle this pastoral field since in reality this is under the dicastery of the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People in Rome in which our commission reports. I hope that, through the help of the Chaplains, this will be incorporated as part of the ECMI's pastoral care program in your areas of missionary responsibility. This will take sometime but I know that this can be done as we are inspired by the words of the Holy Father: "... the exercise of charity, especially for the poorest and weakest, is the criterion that proves the authenticity of the Eucharistic celebration" that we offered everyday of our lives. Based on the research done by Fr. Loloy Napiere, our executive secretary, there are around 8,000 or more homeless or internally displaced people in Taiwan who need our loving attention and pastoral care. I thank the effort of the House of Peace of the CICM Fathers in Taipei and the Good Samaritan Women's Concerns Association of the Maryknoll Sisters in Taichung for their extraordinary apostolate in helping those street friends and brought them back to the mainstream of Taiwan society with dignity.

The pastoral care for seafarers is already in place through the effort of the Apostleship of the Sea in Taiwan and with the help of the international and local seafarers' welfare committees and maritime organizations. We are hoping that as we start sailing, we expect a smooth and bearable weather along the way with the guidance of our Lady, Stella Maris.

Kudos to all of you, Chaplains and pastoral workers! In the name of the Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference, I impart my blessings upon you and your apostolate.