NAIROBI, MAY 19, 2018 (CISA)-Bishop Virgilio Pante, the Chairman of Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers an arm of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has called upon Catholic faithful to extend a helping hand to immigrants who seek refuge in the country.
In his homily during Mass on Sunday 17 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Nairobi, he stressed on their campaign geared towards creating awareness and understanding communities that have fled poverty, hunger, violence, persecution and the effects of climate change in their homeland.
“Pope Francis reminds us that there are four things we all should do; welcome, protect, promote and integrate. We integrate by bringing our language and customs to enrich each other’s culture,” the bishop said.
As the world prepares to mark the World Refugees Day on Wednesday June 20, the commission through its campaign has called upon faithful to embrace the social culture through sharing meals with the affected parties.
“Sharing a meal is much more than just spending some time with other people to eat together. Food is one of the fundamental basic human needs and is of critical importance to all of us. It’s a powerful vehicle that bring people together in a moment of joy, relax and of true communion,” he said.
The world refugees’ day is an initiative of the United Nations Refugee Agency aimed at commemorating the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees around the world.
The Bishop further encouraged us to take time and reflect upon the different cultural norms from various ethnicities which people feel uncomfortable and uncertain as a tool of promoting togetherness and understanding in the society.
As the Day marks a key moment for the public to show support for the refugees, Bishop Pante has reassured the commitment of KCCB in bringing hope and healing to the affected parties.
He asked he faithful to pray for the families divided and shattered by conflict and remember especially those unable to make the journey who have been left behind and all those who have tragically lost their lives
