Pope Francis’ theme for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) which will be celebrated on 24 September, “Free to choose whether to migrate or stay”, resonates with the theme of Refugee Week 2023 – “Finding Freedom”. The Holy Father encourages us to journey in solidarity with Refugees and People Seeking Protection.
In collaboration with the Diocese of Parramatta, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia launched its Refugee Week celebration on Friday 16 June at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, aimed at raising the voices of Refugees and People Seeking Protection.
A view of the a recent Refugee Week celebration, co-hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta and Jesuit Refugee Services, at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Amelia Savage, Refugee Leadership and Advocacy Manager at JRS Australia said, “What is often missing from public discourse are their own voices. We want to hear not only about their refugee stories but also their perspectives beyond their migration journey on things we all know like hope, family, love, joy, career, spirituality, loss, and freedom. I’m so happy that you will hear more on this tonight”.
Amelia Savage, Refugee Leadership and Advocacy Manager at JRS Australia speaks at a recent Refugee Week celebration, co-hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta and Jesuit Refugee Services, at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Deeply rooted in the spiritual foundation of St Ignatius’ vision for a better world, JRS became an emblem of asylum for Refugees around the world, a sign of prosperity for people most vulnerable in our contemporary society.
Refugee Week is about inclusion. The JRS event sourced empowering speeches on freedom and respect for human dignity.
“Today I’m speaking on behalf of the unlucky people who don’t have a voice but who need to be heard”, says presenter Maryam Sepehri.
Presenter Maryam Sepehri speaks at a recent Refugee Week celebration, co-hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta and Jesuit Refugee Services, at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Jesuit Refugee Service promotes freedom of expression for people in detention due to migration. Together with the Diocese of Parramatta and other agencies, JRS continues to walk side by side with Refugees and People Seeking Protection.
The JRS Leadership Program “provides a platform for individuals who have experienced forced displacement to share their stories and perspectives, to engage with decision-makers, and to raise awareness,” Amelia said.
Refugee Thanush speaks at a recent Refugee Week celebration, co-hosted by the Diocese of Parramatta and Jesuit Refugee Services, at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
The Friday celebration marked the beginning of a week-long journey and attracted hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds, the local communities, parishioners, and the government.
Refugee Week runs from Sunday 18 to Saturday 24 June. For more information and to support Refugees, visit the JRS website at https://aus.jrs.net/en/jesuit-refugee-service/. Celebrate Refugee Week in solidarity with compassion for Freedom.
This Refugee Week, Parishes and schools in the Diocese are urged to collect food essentials for Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) at Parramatta, and House of Welcome (HOW) at Granville to feed people who have fled their country in fear of their lives but, because of their bridging visas restrictions, cannot work, nor receive government support in Australia.
For information on how to organise a food drive for those on bridging visas who have no where else to turn, and to view the video go to parracatholic.org/fooddrive
