KENYA: “The Catholic Church stands with You”, – Bishop Consoles Refugees on World Refugee Day
Be inspired by confidence and hope despite the problems, risks and difficulties that you face; This was the message of Rt. Rev. Joseph Alessandro, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – Commission for Refugees, Seafarers and Migrants Chairman during this year’s World Refugee Day.
The consolation message came to the refugees amidst government order to close Dadaab refugee camp mainly occupied by refugees of Somali origin over insecurity.
Addressing the refugees at Devine Word Parish (DIWOPA) in Kayole, Nairobi. Bishop Alessandro assured the refugees that the Church stands with them under all circumstances. “You have a special place in the heart of the Church, and you help the Church to enlarge her heart to manifest her motherhood towards the entire human family,” he observed.
He emphasized that as the Church accompanies them on their journey, she seeks to understand the causes of migration and work to overcome the negative effects by exploiting the positives to the international community.
“Dear migrants and refugees, never lose the hope that you too are facing a more secure future, that on your journey you will encounter an outstretched hand, and that you can experience fraternal solidarity and the warmth of friendship!” he affirmed.
Guided by the principles of Catholic social teachings on migrants, the Bishop emphasized that Kenya’s regulation of borders and control of immigration, particularly forced migration, must be governed by concern for all people, mercy, and justice.
The Catholic Church in her earlier statement reminded the government of Kenya that it bears the primary responsibility to prioritize humanitarian principles in accordance with its international and national laws.
The mission of the Church, herself a pilgrim in the world and the Mother of all, is thus to love Jesus Christ, to love him particularly in the poorest and most abandoned; among these are certainly the refugees, who are trying to escape difficult living conditions and dangers of every kind in their countries of origin.
The celebration organized by the commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers together with Jesuits Refugees Service (JRS) was attended by refugees from Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Congo. Also in attendance was, KCCB General Secretary, Fr. Daniel Rono who concelebrated the mass together with the Bishop.
By Rose Achiego, Waumini Communications – KCCB
