Pope Francis’ message for this World Day says that providing aid to migrants and refugees is “a great responsibility”.
During his address the Pope reminds us of God’s command in Leviticus 19:34 – “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as a native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Since his visit to refugees at Lampedusa in 2013, Pope Francis has kept before us all the plight of many migrants and refugees fleeing from wars, persecution and poverty as a “sign of the times”.
The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) was established in 2001. It is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters whose motto is ‘Strength and Kindness’. Sisters in Ireland, UK, USA, New Zealand, Kenya, New South Wales and Canberra, Australia also support refugees and asylum seekers in a variety of practical ways and by their advocacy. The Brigidine Sisters have been engaged in education and social justice in Victoria since 1886.
Check out the full text of Pope Francis’ homily on the following link:
Check out the following link to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project for further information and ways of becoming involved.
