27 Sep ECHOES FROM THE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES, 2021/CHILE, ECUADOR, SPAIN, ITALY…
In Chile, the “Day” was celebrated in all 3 communities. “Here in Tierra Amarilla, we began preparing for it a month ago, and when, at last the day arrived, we opened it with a brightly coloured celebration around the eucharistic table. We entered the church from the square following the Cross of Christ. Waving flags and balloons, with clapping and dancing, we gave thanks for the lives of so many brothers and sisters who have migrated to our country and today are part of us. Fully aware of our own fragility, we asked God’s forgiveness for the contradiction that, while we were celebrating here, in other places in our country, there are other foreign brothers and sisters who are experiencing humiliation and displacement. Lord, teach us to grow towards an “ever wider we”. Afterwards, we moved to the other table, where we shared a meal and the joy of feeling that we are all friends and brothers and sisters of one another
Our Sisters in Cerro Navia, prepared and shared a delicious dessert with a family of neighbours …
In Manta, Ecuador “the Venezuela women whom we are accompanying wanted the four Sisters who are involved in this experience, to share a meal on this Day for Migrants, not in our house, but in one of their houses, them inviting us. We were delighted to accept the invitation and we spent a lovely afternoon, deepening our friendship and trust in these brave women and their families…
In the Infirmary Community in Pirineos, Madrid we prayed very hard for “An even wider We”.
In the General Curia in Rome we also prayed near Saint Raphaela, and we united ourselves with Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square and the JRS Italy with whom we collaborate in welcoming refugees.
Also in Bologna we have participated in the Diocesan Vigil and we shared the table with an Eritrean refugee woman who shared a roof with us and her friends …
And in Argentina all the communities have joined the celebration …
And in Peru …
AND ALL ….”FOR AN EVER WIDER WE”