Caritas Diocese of Plymouth initiated the Refugee and Migration Project last year in response to the Love the Stranger document by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, which calls us to consider the individual behind every migration statistic and to see ourselves in every person leaving their homeland in search of a safer life. The aim of the project is to find ways to build on the great work already being done in many parishes across the Diocese to engage with people seeking asylum, those with refugee status and migrant workers, to open our hearts and share a culture of welcome.
Many people coming to the South West to support the care sector come from Catholic communities in India, Africa and the Philippines and their presence has boosted congregations; there is much to celebrate in the diversity that they bring. To name but a few, Plymouth Cathedral held a beautiful Mass for Refugees during Refugee Week this year and the joyful Flores de Mayo festival; Exeter Sacred Heart Church holds an International Day each year; Our Lady of Lourdes, Plympton has held International BBQs, Exeter Waymakers Community Sponsorship group held fundraising cinema night showing The Swimmers, an amazing story of resilience and selfless bravery of people seeking asylum. All these events bring the whole community together, help to break down barriers and focus on our shared humanity.
The Caritas Refugee and Migration Project strengthens the links between the Diocese and local organisations and agencies working with people seeking safety, enabling us to provide effective signposting to key sources of support and information. We have held parish events and a poster campaign to raise awareness of the potential signs of Modern Slavery affecting migrant workers. Modern Slavery is one of the six key themes for the upcoming Jubilee Year, and Caritas is planning more events to strengthen our response to this scourge. A Caritas online event for Refugee Week: A Journey to be Made Together gave powerful first-hand insight into the life-changing effect of a warm Catholic welcome for a lady seeking asylum, and showed examples of ways we can offer practical and moral support, with spiritual guidance from Bishop Paul McAleenan, the Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees.
We are holding an event in Exeter for World Day of Migrants and Refugees at the end of September which will explore A Culture of Welcome. All are welcome to attend and you can register here. We encourage all parishes to use Pope Francis’ prayer for refugees and to consider his suggestions for a step-by-step itinerary on his chosen theme: God walks with His people.
If you would like to report concerns, suggest actions or arrange a parish visit to talk about issues relating to the project, please contact Alex, Caritas Plymouth Refugee and Migration Project Lead, mailto:alexandra.miranda@prcdtr.org.uk