The Diocese of Tucson will partner with the Kino Border Initiative, which seeks to "make humane, just, workable migration between the U.S. and Mexico a reality," Bishop Edward Weisenburger announced.

“Advent is a time in the liturgical year to contemplate the path of the Holy Family and the coming of Jesus," the bishop said on Facebook. "It’s a time to remember the sacrifices Joseph and Mary made when they fled as refugees to keep Jesus safe. Nowadays, there are similar sacrifices that many families make in hopes of getting a better future for them. That’s why the  Diocese of Tucson is partnering with the Kino Border Initiative to establish a connection between the Holy Family and other refugees this Advent season."

The diocese hopes the partnership will "inspire prayer, action and love toward our migrant brothers and sisters who struggle for a prosperous life," the bishop said. "Join us over the coming weeks as we send thoughts on Advent readings to accompany the Holy Family and better prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Kino initiative provides direct humanitarian assistance to migrants and "social and pastoral education with communities on both sides of the border," its website said.

The initiative also participates in research and advocacy networks to "transform local, regional, and national immigration policies," it said.

According to the website Christianity.com, the word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” 

During the fourth and fifth centuries in Spain and Gaul, the Advent season was a time to prepare the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, which celebrates God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, the website said.

This year, Advent begins on Nov. 28 and ends on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, according to Crosswalk.com.