“As we approach another Christmas, we ponder on the connection between Christmas and refugees. In our
country, Christmas for many people, especially for children, is a wonderful time of the year. However, for
those of us who experience the warm glow of being with family and enjoying a holiday and companionship,
we recognize it is not like this for everyone. Indeed the original narrative does not paint this picture.
The shepherds who gathered around “yon virgin and child.” were dirty, unwashed, poor men who slept in the
fields, apart from their wives if they were married. The wise men were foreigners who practiced astrology.
The story jumps from the baby in a manger to a power hungry man ordering the slaughter of innocent
children and Jesus’ family fleeing for their lives to Egypt. What became of the family in Egypt? Presumably,
they were immigrants who couldn’t speak the language, unwanted refugees, homeless and poor, or cheap
labor….” (BASP Newsletter 104 Dec 2021)
To read the entire newsletter go to: BASP Newsletter # 104
For anyone wishing to make a donation, the Project Bank details are: Brigidine Asylum Seekers Trust
Account: bsb: 083-004; a/c: 56-924-6603; National Australia Bank.
