“Like many refugees, I fled Sudan on foot with my family in 1989,” said James Atanasious, reflecting on the civil war that tore apart his homeland.
“Unfortunately, this has sent many South Sudanese into exile to seek protection from the bad regime as refugees living in stricken conditions outside of their country.”
James, a member of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Peace, Justice and Ecology team, was speaking at a Refugee Week celebration co-hosted by the Diocese and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) at St Patrick’s Cathedral Cloister Hall. He shared how he spent 14 years in a Ugandan refugee camp before arriving in Australia in 2004.
“I recall when I was at the camp, hundreds of thousands of people died from the Cholera Virus due to poor sanitation,” James said.
“We did everything we could to survive and never take anything for granted.”
His situation changed when he received a scholarship from JRS and completed high school before resettling in Australia.
“Today, as a graduate of an Australian university, I am pleased with the abundant opportunities available in this country,” he said.
James Atanasious from the Diocese of Parramatta’s Peace, Justice and Ecology team speaks during a 2025 Refugee Week event hosted by Jesuit Refugee Services and the Diocese of Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“I am upset because many of my refugee friends did not get to experience freedom the way I did… The refugee problem continues globally as we speak.”
James now works to support others in similar circumstances.
“I am passionate about human rights and the rights of people to have equal opportunities in our society,” he said.
“I commend the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service, which allows refugees to share their stories and empowers them.
“It is high time we acknowledge the contribution of Refugees and Migrants in our community. Build connections, understand the truth, and live peacefully with others.”
Diversity in community
Across Western Sydney, stories like James’ were front and centre during Refugee Week 2025 – a celebration of resilience, diversity and the shared journey towards freedom. From drums and dancing to powerful testimonies, the Diocese of Parramatta joined communities in Granville, Parramatta, Penrith and St Marys in marking the theme ‘Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community’.
Refugee Week raises awareness of the global crisis affecting more than 122 million people worldwide. Though the official week ran from 15 to 21 June, diocesan events extended beyond those dates, reflecting a year-round commitment to people on the margins.
Panellists speak during a Refugee Week event in Penrith. Image: Supplied
The Refugee Council of Australia reported that nearly 978,000 refugee visas were issued globally in 2004, but Australia has capped its humanitarian intake at just 20,000 for 2024 and 2025. The Diocese continues to join other advocacy groups in urging the government to do more.
Events during the week were hosted by the Diocese in partnership with Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC), House of Welcome (HOW), and JRS.
The Diocese is the only one in Australia to host both HOW and JRS, making it a unique hub for refugee support.
“The panel discussion gave us real insight into the struggles refugees face when they first arrive. Despite different backgrounds, their experiences were very similar – displacement, uncertainty, and the fight to rebuild,” said a Catholic Care representative, who participated in a St Marys event on 18 June.
In Granville, HOW’s Ruth Lasmana described the event as “a time to listen, to learn, and to reflect on the journeys that so many have taken in search of peace and possibility.”
“Our diversity is not something to be tolerated, but something to be treasured,” Ruth said. “It is through our differences that we find strength, richness, and connection. Freedom is found not in sameness, but in the way we welcome and celebrate each other.”
The Safour family (centre) being celebrated during a special Refugee Week event hosted by the Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) at Blacktown City Council’s Civic Centre, in June 2025. Image: Blacktown City Council/Supplied
HOW’s Meadhbh Roche added, “Refugee Week is such a significant time for us – a moment to reflect, connect, and celebrate the strength and resilience of those with lived experience of displacement.”
For more information, visit Supporting Refugees and People Seeking Asylum, or contact the Mission Enhancement Team at met@parracatholic.org.
Refugee Week events reflect the Diocesan Pastoral Plan objectives to be a Church that reaches to the margins. It also underpins the priorities of Mission, Listening and Community, outlined in the Plan.
View the photos of the JRS event on Flickr.
