Faith, Justice and Formation

Refugee Week

16 – 22 June is Refugee Week around the world. The theme for this year in Australia is Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community, looking to celebrate what refugees and peoples seeking asylum have brought to our communities and how our communities can help change their lives. Our nation is richer for the contributions of so many, yet many still misunderstand this issue. ‘Refugee Week is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees in Australia.’ (Home - Refugee Week).

We are often reminded that Jesus himself was a refugee, fleeing Israel to Egypt, to avoid the policy of Herod that was killing baby boys. No doubt this was not an accident; nothing from God is. The first thing Pope Francis did after coming into his role was to visit the refugees in Lampedusa, Italy, denouncing the ‘globalisation of indifference’ that has become evident over recent decades. With more war, dictatorial rule and climate disaster the number of refugees and peoples seeking asylum is increasing. If we are to be truly inclusive, we must be sure to welcome those who need our care, for we have much to share.

I have been fortunate to hear the stories of many refugees over the years, and not one ever wanted to leave their homeland, but all came with trauma and tragedy, loss of life, loss of family, loss of freedom, loss of potential and opportunity. I have been inspired by many who have often shone a light on the treatment they receive once arriving in Australia. One of our Justice Partners at the College is the House of Welcome run by St Francis Social Services (House of Welcome | Support, Volunteer, Donate). If you are ever looking for someone to support or a place you can volunteer, I recommend them to you. We have worked with them for years and count one of our best initiatives as being our involvement in the Work & Welcome Program, employing refugee workers who need Australian work experience. If you want to know more about this, please email me on gillian.daley@spc.nsw.edu.au.

Kudos to all those in our community, and there are many, who come from the families of refugees – people wanting to seek a better life. You are inspirational!

To understand more about a Catholic stance on refugees see Catholic Social Teaching on Refugees.

St Patrick’s College walks side by side with all those who need our support and will continue to work with them to improve the quality of human dignity for all.

Gillian Daley

Director of Identity