Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Migration and forced displacement are issues challenging the world with increasing intensity. These themes receive detailed attention in Catholic Social Teaching and the plight of refugees captured the heart of Pope Francis from the earliest days of his papacy. Loreto Sisters have been involved in direct support of refugees across many continents for decades and are proud to count refugees to our land among our own Sisters.  Here in Australia Sisters continue to advocate for asylum seekers, support refugee tutoring programs, petition for more compassionate policies, serve in a centre for refugees, and work in parishes with large migrant populations. MWIA has long supported the House of Welcome in Sydney. Some of our schools support Empowered to Work Programs, assisting asylum seekers in Australia to overcome employment barriers. Our schools and communities focus on this justice issue particularly on World Refugee Day and the Australian Catholic Church’s Migrant and Refugee Sunday. Members of the Loreto network, especially past pupils and parents, contribute pro bono services in areas of immigration law, tutoring, finance and welfare.  

By addressing issues of racism and developing cultural awareness programs in our workplaces and communities, we can take a valuable step towards re-establishing a sense of hope, dignity and belonging in those who have ‘come across the seas’.

Feature Image: Loreto Sr Rachel McLoughlin ibvm at a Justice for Refugee rally in Melbourne.