Westminster Cathedral held an international Mass last Sunday for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
In his homily the celebrant, Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said, “No matter where we come from, here we all become part of the same story of the faith in this land with its glories and great failures, its divisions as well as its courageous leadership and saints. All of us together contribute to this unfolding history, a story that is far from finished. Together we praise God and serve Him, today and always.”
He referred to comments made by Pope Francis on his visit to Marseille. “He was speaking about the flow of migrants to Europe. He gave a glimpse of God’s ways, which are not ours. He urged European governments to welcome migrants instead of seeing them as invaders, saying, ‘Those who risk their lives at sea do not invade, they look for welcome. The risk we face is turning the Mediterranean, the mare nostrum, from the cradle of civilisation into the mare mortuum, the graveyard of dignity.”
Nottingham was among the dioceses displaying on websites resources for the day from the Jesuit Refugee Service UK. These included bidding prayers during Mass and information for parish newsletters.
Cafod offered a special prayer, picking up on the day’s message from Pope Francis, “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay”. Christine Allen from Cafod and Bishop Paul McAleenan, lead bishop for migrants and refugees, spoke at a webinar last week organised by the Catholic Social Action Network to explore the theme.
Patrick O’Dowd, director of Caritas Salford and chair of the Migration Alliance of the Catholic Social Action Network, said the World Day of Migrants and Refugees “is always an important occasion to pray for people facing the challenges of being on the move and to express concern and solidarity with them.” He added, “It is also a time to recognise and celebrate the unwavering commitment of Catholic charities as they work to protect and uphold the human dignity of refugees and migrants in the face of great struggles, promoting their rights and welfare and seeking a compassionate and respectful response, fostering integration.” The Migration Alliance is now a member of the UK-wide coalition Together With Refugees.
JRS UK renewed calls for an end to immigration detention in wake of a public inquiry into the Brook House Immigration Removal Centre. The inquiry’s report called for systemic changes in the way immigration detention operates, including a 28-day time limit on immigration detention, which is currently indefinite. Sarah Teather, JRS UK director, said it was “outrageous” that “sweeping new powers allowing the government to detain people arbitrarily are about to come into force”.
Plymouth Diocese shared the journey of a group at the Church of our Lady of Lourdes and St Cecilia in Blandford where a refugee family has been welcomed into the community through the UK Resettlement Scheme, with support from Caritas Plymouth.
The St Vincent de Paul Society highlighted the work of more than 200 volunteer groups who support refugees and people seeking asylum, “in addition to our St Vincent's centres in Leeds and Bradford, who provide frontline advice and support to migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum”. SVP organises practical support, English classes, community events, advice and advocacy. “While our society responds to immediate need and support people facing challenges every day, we also understand the importance of challenging policies and systems at the root causes of poverty and discrimination. This is why advocacy and influencing are a key part of our work, speaking up against discriminatory policies.”
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