“It is the obligation of every person born in a safer room to open the door when someone in danger knocks.” Dina Nayeri

Refugee Week, sponsored and promoted by the United Nations, is drawing to a close. The 2024 theme, Hope Away from Home: A World Where Refugees Are Always Included, has given us many ideas and knowledge to contemplate during the week. Primarily, we are challenged to recognise that our support and welcome to refugees contributes to allowing them to rebuild their lives with hope and dignity. 

The total number of humanitarian arrivals to Australia will reach 978,000 in June 2024. A majority of those seeking refugee status to be accepted by and settle in Australia come from the countries of Iraq, Myanmar, Afghanistan and Syria.

As Catholics, we are called to demonstrate our Christianity towards refugees. Pope Francis guides us in this very real expectation:

“I would like to ask you all to see a ray of hope in the eyes and hearts of refugees and of those who have been forcibly displaced. A hope that is expressed in expectations for the future, in the desire for friendship, in the wish to participate in the host society also through learning the language, access to employment and the education of children. I admire the courage of those who hope to be able gradually to resume a normal life, waiting for joy and love to return to brighten their existence. We can and must all nourish this hope!”

Of course, we must also remember that Mary and Joseph, with the baby Jesus, were essentially refugees in their own country. They had to search for a place to give birth, then flee from the murderous Herod, and to take refuge in a new place for the safety of their family. We are challenged, in this story from the Bible, not to say, “Go away… we are full, there’s no room for you.”

Loving God,

No one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness watch over refugees and asylum seekers, those separated from their loved ones, those who are lost, and those who have been exiled from their homes.Bring them safely to the place where they long to be, and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and those in need.

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning