Join the Catholic Church in celebrating Refugee Week between 19 and 25 June.
Refugee Week is a national event that informs the public about refugees and celebrate positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society. Refugee Week also coincides with the United Nations’ World Refugee Day on 20 June.
You may wish to pray these prayers whilst attending Mass, or pray them in your own time.
Prayers of the faithful for Refugee Week (19-25 June)
For the 19,000 refugees and asylum seekers living in Australia on temporary protection visas and safe haven enterprise visas: That they may be granted permanent residence in Australia so that years of uncertainty and fear may end and they can begin to confidently plan their futures.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For each and every one of the 217 people still waiting offshore in Papua New Guinea and Nauru: That their many years of anxiety and suffering will end soon with the provision of viable resettlement options.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For the many refugees around the world waiting to find a place of safety and freedom: That their need for certainty and security will be met with generous refugee and humanitarian intake commitments by Governments around the world, including the Australian Government.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For refugees struggling to live with dignity in our region: That the Australian Government will engage constructively with neighbouring Governments to offer them greater opportunity and paths to safety.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For all refugees living in Australia and in offshore processing centres who face physical and mental health challenges: That everything is done to eliminate those factors which have caused and continue to exacerbate their ill-health and that their existing health concerns be responded to with great generosity and compassion.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For people of faith around Australia: That they offer love, welcome and compassion to those who come to Australia seeking to begin a new life free from persecution and violence.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For the many refugees in Australia who are separated from their families: That the anxiety and heartbreak this causes may be met with a commitment to a generous Government family reunion program.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
For people seeking asylum who have died while on their journeys: That they may assemble in the temple of the Lord and never be forgotten by those who have survived.
We pray to the Lord
R: Lord, hear our prayer.
With thanks to the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) and the ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace.
