‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’ Matthew 25:35
Pope Francis calls on us to WELCOME, PROTECT, PROMOTE and INTEGRATE people fleeing from conflict and persecution.
Click here to register
The Diocese of Plymouth is home, often for uncertain periods of time, to many hundreds of people forced to flee conflict and persecution seeking asylum in this country. They are housed in multi-occupancy houses, or in temporary hotels or on the Bibby Stockholm barge, and some are street homeless. The Diocese is also home to many people with refugee status, who live, work and contribute in our communities.
Refugee Week this year takes place from 17-23 June with activities taking place locally and nationally. World Refugee Day on 20th June is an international day designated by the United Nations to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution and to honour refugees around the globe. It celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. The theme of Refugee Week 2024 is Our Home.
Caritas Plymouth is holding an online event on Thursday 13th June at 6pm in anticipation of Refugee Week WELCOMING REFUGEES: A journey to be made together – How can we support people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK?
We invite you to join us to reflect and explore what this can mean in practice, hearing from someone who has been through the asylum system, sustained and supported by her Catholic faith, and from people who have answered the call to help and support in different ways.
Please join us to reflect upon how we can make our churches and parishes a place of welcome and support for those forced to leave their homes in search of peace and freedom. Click the link to register or email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk
We all have our part to play to enable people seeking asylum to live with dignity as their claims are decided. We all have the opportunity to make a positive difference: from the power of prayer, to the warmth of a welcome, to practical support, to donations, to supporting campaigns, to short-term hosting, together we can improve the lives of people forced to flee danger.
Details of Refugee Week activities in your local area can be found at: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/events/list/