From the Principal
Yesterday, 19 August, marked World Humanitarian Day which aims to bring citizens of the world together to rally support for people living in crises and to pay tribute to the aid workers who help them. In just this last week, we have seen the devastation caused in Haiti by a powerful earthquake and the Taliban seize power and control in Afghanistan. In Haiti, over 2000 people have died, 10,000 have been injured and thousands more have been left without shelter, safe water and food. Grave fears are held for the people of Afghanistan, particularly women and children, with the country under the Taliban’s control. Humanitarian aid workers are and will continue to play a significant role in the provision of safety, shelter, food, water, medical treatment etc. for not only the people of Haiti and Afghanistan but for other communities in crisis around the world.
In Matthew’s gospel (Matt.25:35-40) we are called to help those in need:
Jesus says to his followers: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
In reply he is asked: Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
Jesus responds: Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
We cannot ignore the plight of human beings suffering hunger, thirst, homelessness, sickness, or imprisonment. We all have a role to play, walking in solidarity with and advocating for the marginalised and the suffering. The Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP), one of Kildare Ministries community works, is calling upon our government to take action in support of the Afghan people seeking asylum in Australia and has asked that we add our voice to this – please refer to the article in this newsletter under Living Justice.
As a community, we have set ourselves the target of raising $20,000 in the coming weeks to support the work of BASP. All funds raised in the lead up to and on Brigidine Day (Friday 17 September) will be donated to BASP. This week we are launching of our key fundraising challenges, the Kilbreda College ‘Go the Distance for Refugees’ Challenge. This challenge requires Kilbreda staff, students and family members to commit to walking, cycling or running a minimum distance in the month ahead while asking friends and family to sponsor them. Information about how you can ‘go the distance for refugees’ is contained in this newsletter.
A prayer for humanitarian aid workers on World Humanitarian Day:
We give thanks for all who serve others in the neediest and most dangerous parts of this planet.
We pray especially for aid workers, who quietly, tirelessly, and selflessly give their time and energy often at great cost to themselves and sometimes even unto death.
May all humanitarians be given strength and protection, that they may continue to make a difference in the communities they serve, and never lose hope, despite all the trials and hateful opposition.
Merciful God, may love cast out all fear and triumph over evil.
Amen.
Rev. Tony Miles
We Pray For
We ask for your prayers for members of our community and their families who have recently lost loved ones:
Anjila Chandra
Mother of Sanjini Chandra
(Staff)
Paolo Gallo
Father of Joe Gallo
(Past Staff)
We pray that our loving God hold them gently in the palm of His hand.
Nicole Mangelsdorf
Principal