Refugee Week began on Monday, with a moving prayer service outside the Home Office in Westminster.

The names of hundreds of refugees who lost their lives in just one month, last June, trying to seek safety in Europe or the UK were read out.

Many are unknown, but as Pope Francis said, ‘Every one has a name, a face and a story’.

They included: ’15 people, including a baby, were presumed drowned, their bodies found by a Tunisian fisherman in his nets in the Mediterranean Sea.’

‘A young girl from Cameroon drowned, her body wrapped in a pink winter suit recovered by Tunisian coast guard off Kerkennah, Tunisia.’

‘20 Syrians, including at least 2 children, 3 women, and 3 men, drowned when a boat on the way to Spain sank of Arhat, Algeria; 7 bodies were probably found, 2 survived.’ (Read the prayers and full list of names HERE.)

The event was co-ordinated by Barbara Kentish. Among participants were representatives of Westminster Justice and Peace, Fr Martin Newell and Brother Johannes and others from the London Catholic Worker, Pax Christi, Columban J&P, and a group of students from St George’s School, Maida Vale who made some striking placards. Their messages included: ‘Jesus was a Refugee’ and ‘I was a refugee and you did not welcome me’. The students – several who were from migrant families – also contributed some heartfelt prayers.

In his reflection, Fr Joe Ryan thanked everyone present and said: “In this Monthly Vigil we remember those who have lost their lives in their efforts to escape war, violence, persecution and starvation to come to another place where they hope to find a new home and security for their family.

“The theme for this Refugee Week is: OUR HOME- and we are also invited to recognise the contribution made by migrants and refugees who settle in another country. This truth is remembered each year at the Migrant Mass.

“OUR HOME- home is where we like to live in peace and harmony, with security and shelter and have the basic elements of human living.

“We stand outside another Home, the Home Office- it is here for the security of our nation, but also should be a living example of security for the stranger, the asylum seeker and the refugee.

“None of this is evident in the modus operandi of the Home Office.

“Fine words and vocabulary may be used, but the reality is that migrants and refugees are seen as VERMIN! What do you do with vermin? Get rid of them at all costs!! They are ostracised and demonised!

“These Refugees and Migrants are our brothers and sisters. They need to be treated as such….

“Politicians and officials create a blanket of fear and warn us that we will be overrun by migrants.

“We are reminded that they will take our jobs and homes… Now that Nigel Farage is back on the scene, the spin against migrants is all the greater!

“Yes, we know that homelessness is a factor in our society, but there are at other solutions.

“We are asked this week to remember the contributions made by Migrants: look around you in the UK; where would the NHS be, our care homes, our corner shops and transport be if it were not for people who come from overseas?

“Think of the millions of pounds spend on building fences and barriers to keep people out.

“If only some of those resources were used to investigate and negotiate in nations where people have to flee for security! What a difference it would make if only the millions and billions spent on so-called security could be spent on negotiations and building bridges between nations.

“Looking at the manifestos for the General Election, the signs are not hopeful. All we see is, cutting back on net migration. The flights may or may not take off for Rwanda.

“I would like to declare here and now to Mr James Cleverly, Secretary of State, or whoever may be in charge, that I would be hoping to be standing on the runway to prevent the plane taking off or suffer the consequences. Would I be alone? I don’t want to be accused of mob incitement, but then if it happened at the White House, and I could still run for President.. the I’m ok!

“We need to sow seeds of hope just like we have heard in our gospel reading today. The mustard seed, the smallest of all, can grow into a large tree. We need to be people of hope. We need to be people who show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in desperate situations.

“This is the significance of us being here today so that the world may know that we are standing shoulder to shoulder and offering a welcome to the migrant and refugee.

“It’s as simple and complicated as that.

“We mustn’t lose hope in the face of what seems like an impossible challenge. It is always better to light one candle than to curse the darkness!

“There are so many like-minded people who can inspire us.

“Pope Francis has been an inspiration over many years.

“He has been challenging to nations, governments and ourselves. He has called us to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate people fleeing from conflict and persecution.

“We have the words of Jesus himself, ‘I was a stranger, and you made me welcome’.

“We need to see the face of Jesus in our brothers and sisters and those we are remembering today.

“We need to extend the hand of welcome. Many have already done so and are still showing to those in need, that we do care and that there are so many who want to help, not ostracise.

“The crisis in Ukraine has shown the compassion and care that is evident in so many people in our nation. That Spirit of welcome needs to be highlighted and promoted, rather than the fear for ourselves… We’ll be back. The witness goes on. Thank you for being here and spread the message please.”

The final blessing was given by Bishop McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees for the Bishops Conference.

This monthly Memorial Prayer Vigil for refugees and asylum-seekers takes place on the third Monday of every month outside the Home Office, SW1P 4DF, 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

For more information, see: https://westminsterjusticeandpeace.org/

To mark Refugee Week, that runs from 17 – 23 June 2024, Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees for the Bishops’ Conference, offers a reflection on three themes – his recent visit to the Bibby Stockholm barge, the impact of the Rwanda Bill, and societal attitudes towards refugees and migrants.

In late April, Bishop McAleenan was invited by the Home Office to visit the Bibby Stockholm. The vessel is a large floating barge moored off Portland Harbour in Dorset that accommodates asylum seekers – many who have fled torture and persecution.

The visit offered a chance to meet with residents, reflect on their plight and consider the pastoral care we could offer. At the time of the visit, Bibby Stockholm housed over three hundred asylum seekers, but numbers fluctuate depending on departures and arrivals.

“The most memorable part of the visit was undoubtedly meeting the residents and hearing their stories,” said Bishop McAleenan. “I was deeply moved by their resilience, the commonality of their aspirations and their willingness to share their experiences, which are, sadly, often traumatic. Despite the hardships they had endured, their desire to find a home here and belong to a society to which they can contribute to, is a testament to our shared humanity.”

“Indeed, I heard many positive stories from the local community – many going out of their way to provide support and a welcome for the residents. It was edifying to see Staff on the vessel genuinely engaging with residents, providing advice and helpful information to assist them to integrate more effectively.”

Bishop McAleenan was also pleased to reflect on the wider welcome extended by many Catholics in our countries to asylum seekers:

“In the last few years, we have witnessed the wonderful work of Catholic communities across England and Wales, who have welcomed migrants from Ukraine, Hong Kong and elsewhere with acts of solidarity and practical help.”

However, Bishop McAleenan’s visit coincided with the recent passing of the Rwanda Bill. He remarked on the distressing impact the legislation was having on Bibby Stockholm residents:

“The result of the passing of the bill was certainly felt onboard. A number of residents had received letters from the Home Office mentioning the possibility of deportation to Rwanda. It is an unjustifiable policy and has created an unnecessary sense of fear and anxiety.”

“The UK Government has a responsibility to ensure that we have an immigration system that upholds the dignity of human life. The Rwanda scheme does not do that.”

Bishop McAleenan concluded his reflection by calling for Catholics to use Refugee Week as an opportunity to pray for refugees and asylum seekers:

“During Refugee Week, I invite everyone to join in prayer and reflect on our understanding and belief that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Let us remember that we all seek the same fundamental needs – safety, acceptance, and a place to call home.”

“Let us be thankful for the work of so many people in England and Wales to welcome migrants, but not be afraid to ask ourselves what else can we do to assist migrants and refugees”

Bishop McAleenan will be leading the prayer vigil outside the Home Office on Monday, 17th June from 12.30-1.30pm, Marsham Street, SW1P4DF

Refugee Week Prayer Vigil Outside the Home Office

Refugee Week Website