Imagine walking quietly at night, holding your child tightly to your chest, praying he won’t wake up and cry. The bag slung across your back holds a blanket, a little money and some food — maybe enough for three days if you’re lucky. You’re exhausted and the bag is heavy. Your shoulders and legs ache, but you keep walking toward safety.
This must be similar to what the Blessed Mother experienced 2,000 years ago. Knowing her homeland was no longer safe for her newborn, Jesus, she packed what she had and fled to safety in Egypt. One of Jesus’ first earthly experiences was that of a refugee.
The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt is a path that millions of families follow today, forced from their homes in search of refuge and safety. The United Nations estimates that over 80 million individuals worldwide have been forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations.
For over a decade, Commonwealth Catholic Charities has offered a welcoming embrace for these families on behalf of the local Church, providing hospitality and professional support as newly arrived refugees rebuild their lives.
Refugees arrive with very little, having left homes, possessions, livelihoods and even family members behind in search of safety. CCC’s refugee resettlement services help refugees find a home, learn English, understand local culture, enroll in school, secure employment and much more.
On Sunday, June 20, countries across the globe will commemorate the 20th anniversary of World Refugee Day. This is a day to celebrate the beauty, diversity and richness that refugee families add to our communities while recognizing the urgent needs of refugees and displaced persons across the globe. It is a day for hospitality, compassion and empathy. It is a day for action.
The need for additional financial support for refugees is greater than ever, as last month the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced 62,500 refugees are now allowed into the country this year — an increase from 15,000. As the pandemic restrictions on international travel are lifted, we anticipate a surge in refugee families arriving in our communities.
As we prepare for this increase and to commemorate World Refugee Day, CCC is creating a welcoming and hospitable environment for those fleeing the unimaginable. Through the support of our parishes and our communities, CCC can continue to fulfill the biblical command to welcome the stranger. Our experience has taught us that our communities are better, stronger and more vibrant when we open our hearts to refugees.
As we look ahead, may we continue to challenge ourselves to support our refugee brothers and sisters. May we practice hospitality, embrace the beautiful diversity of experience and remember Mary’s journey so long ago by opening our hearts in compassion to those seeking refuge and safety in our diocese.
To support refugee services throughout the Diocese of Richmond, visit www.cccofva.org/donate.