Catholic Commission for Social Justice
This Sunday (June 16) I celebrate my birthday. Each day I thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me. When I hear of the plight of migrants and refugees, I cannot help but be empathetic and compassionate towards them and to use my God-given gifts to move from emotion to action to promote the dignity of each human person.
In 1995 Pope St John Paul II stated: “The value of democracy stands or falls with the truths and values which it embodies and promotes.” What are the values that define us as a people?
Years ago, CCSJ worked with some principals and teachers in Catholic primary schools to develop a Values and Virtues Formation programme. The handbook and teachers’ guide are available here.
The then Archbishop Edward Gilbert stated at the launch that to promote authentic integral human development—the development of each person, and of every dimension of the person—we need to teach young people about “values, virtues, morality and personal and social relationships”, in order to form their consciences and build their character.
“Migrants and refugees do not represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved”—Pope Francis.
On Saturday, March 23, CCSJ/the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR), organised a meeting/training session for parishes assisting them as they seek to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and refugees.
Recently someone remonstrated stating that the Catholic Church should not “get involved in refugee and migrant issues”. I was floored by her reasoning—particularly as she is also a Catholic. Our Church has always urged us to have a preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. This is a key social justice principle.
If Christians are disciples of Christ, if we are to follow in His footsteps, if we are to build His Kingdom here on earth, if we are to recognise Him in the face of our neighbour then we must take heed of His words in today’s Gospel (Lk 1:1–4; 4:14–21): “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour.”
On Wednesday June 20th the world will observe World Refugee Day (WRD), a day when we “we commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees” (UN).
Archbishop Jason Gordon has launched an Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR). AMMR calls on the nation to use this opportunity on WRD to commit to stand in solidarity with migrants and refugees and to promote their human rights. Let’s pray and act to ensure that there is a place at the table of life for all.