«Migrant and Refugee Week is a reminder of our duty to reach out to those on the margins of society and shed light on the reality of women, men and children in situations we cannot even imagine. These days also remind us of our call to love one another and to do everything possible to bring fullness into everyone’s life.» This is what Father Brian Lucas, National Director of Catholic Mission, the Australian national direction of the Pontifical Mission Societies, declared in a note sent to Fides News Agency. The priest’s words came during Migrant and Refugee Week, which the Australian Catholic Church celebrated from 19 to 25 August.
Catholic Mission supports a series of programs around the world for the benefit of the poorest, which include activities to support refugees. In this regard, Father Lucas explained that, in the areas involved, «Catholic missionaries carry out projects ranging from emergency aid to resettlement and the management of subsistence activities. But, above all, they try to guarantee the protection of human rights to some of the most persecuted people in the world.»
During Refugee Week, Catholic Mission invited Australians to pray and donate offers to fund such projects.
Among the realities supported by the Pontifical Mission Societies in Australia, there are the care of 350 refugee children in India, support for many families fleeing from war zones in South Sudan, the creation of 15 structures in Uganda, which host refugees from neighboring countries. In addition to projects abroad, Catholic Mission is involved in domestic support for refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
