Rooted in the Gospel teachings of love, compassion and solidarity, World Refugee Week recognises the inherent dignity of every human, including refugees and forcibly displaced individuals. During this week, we are called to reflect on the plight of refugees worldwide and respond with empathy and practical assistance. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding, challenge prejudice and promote a culture of welcome and inclusion. Inspired by Jesus’ teachings to “welcome the stranger” and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, we are urged to advocate for just and humane refugee policies, support organisations that provide aid and resettlement, and offer prayers for those affected by forced displacement. World Refugee Week provides a unique occasion to put faith into action, promoting solidarity and fostering a world where refugees are received with open hearts and compassionate embrace.

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. – Deuteronomy 10:18-19