|
January 15th 2012 - World Day for Migrants and Refugees
This is a day to remember those who are suffering displacement, loss of homeland and exile. It is also a day also to give thanks for the courage and hope of those who risk newness and hardship in search of a more human life. Liturgically, it is significant that it comes just after the celebration of the Epiphany, that feast of universalism and inclusivity, feast of seekers, followers of stars and explorers of new horizons.
It was an emotional occasion, one of which he was rightly proud. Here were gathered people of different ages, religions and cultures united in one thing, their shared desire to start a new life here. They came from Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, USA, Mexico, Chile, Brazil and Colombia. The Councillor addressed them about their responsibilities and rights as UK citizens before inviting them to take As they came forward, alone or in family groups, most of them young at least by my standards, I thought of the journey, the long “desert” each had travelled to reach this moment and the hopes they held for the future, and I prayed that as a country we might live up to those hopes. Mary Hinde RSCJ |
On November 30th 2011, a group of about 40 such people met in Wandsworth Town Hall to be registered as British Citizens. Amongst them was Bekele an Ethiopian friend of mine whom I have known since his arrived in the UK when he fled torture and imprisonment for political protest against the oppressive regime of his homeland. I was privileged to be his guest and witness on this night.
the oath. It was interesting that a good two thirds of them chose to take the oath to almighty God as distinct from the secular formula that was also offered. Would that all of us who are citizens by birth, lived up to the ideals laid before them, of contributing to the richness of our multicultural community and our responsibility for the common good.
|
