On Sunday 26 September, the Catholic Church around the world celebrates the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (also known as Migrant and Refugee Sunday).

In his message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis invites us to work towards a more inclusive world.

“Ours must be a personal and collective commitment that cares for all our brothers and sisters who continue to suffer even as we work towards a more sustainable, balanced, and inclusive development. A commitment that makes no distinction between natives and foreigners, between residents and guests, since it is a matter of a treasure we hold in common, from whose care and benefits no one should be excluded,” says Pope Francis.

JRS Australia’s care for Migrants and Refugees is enlivened by our mission to serve, accompany, advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced peoples, which continues in earnest during the pandemic, and as our sisters and brothers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and elsewhere face new and old forms of persecution.

We invite you to a number of important actions and events to mark World Day of Migrants and Refugees:

• Hope Out Of Horror: Seeking Refuge in Australia
  Thursday 23 September 2021, 7pm-8pm
  JRS Australia, Social Justice Around the Bay and Vinnies NSW are co-hosting a public webinar and action in which you will hear from leaders with lived experience of seeking asylum on the need for urgent reform of Australia’s policies
  Register here
• Diocesan Conversation with Refugees and People Seeking Protection
  Sunday 26 September 2021, 3pm-4:15pm
  The Diocese of Parramatta is hosting an online event where you will hear personal stories, learn more about the situation in Afghanistan first-hand, and be invited to take action.
  Register here
• A Call to Lamentation and Commitment
  Sunday 26 September 2021, 7pm-7:30pm
  Catholics for Refugees (C4R) and the Sisters of St. Joseph are hosting a candlelit prayer vigil to remember those who have died in Australian immigration and detention.
  Register here

Further Resources:
Read Pope Francis’ message for this year’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees entitled “Towards An Ever Wider ‘We’” .

Australian Bishops Conference’s Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) publishes resources to support the celebration of the World Day for Migrants and Refugees. You can download the 2021 resources kit here.

ACMRO also provides information on the Catholic church’s teaching about Migrants and Refugees and an overview of church documents on migration and asylum.