September 5, 2021 - "Refugees Supported by St. Francis"

On Sunday, August 29, 2021 Pope Francis addressed the people gathered to pray the Angelus with him.   He told them that he was following the situation in Afghanistan with great concern, adding “I share in the suffering of those who mourn for the people who lost their lives in the suicide attacks last Thursday, and of those who are seeking help and protection.” The Holy Father commended the souls of the almost two hundred people who were killed in the suicide bombing at Kabul’s airport last week to the mercy of Almighty God.  Pope Francis thanked everyone who was continuing to assist those in need and was praying that dialogue and solidarity may lead to the establishment of peaceful and fraternal coexistence and offer hope for the future of the country.  The Holy Father reminded everyone that in historical moments like the present one we cannot remain indifferent, adding “I appeal to everyone to intensify prayer and practice fasting, prayer and penance.  Now is the time to do it.”
 
Two weeks before this, Bishop Mario Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, Illinois, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace issued the following statement in light of the widespread humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan:
 
“We have known that the withdrawal of American forces and evacuation of vulnerable Afghans, including those who supported our military or worked with NGOs and other organizations, would be a complicated process that had the potential for instability in Afghanistan.  The images and videos coming out of the country are difficult to view, as people make life or death decisions in desperation.  We are particularly concerned for all those requiring evacuation, as well as Afghan women and girls, who risk losing opportunities gained over the past two decades and now face potential mistreatment.
 
“For the past few weeks, staff from the USCCB, Catholic Charities, and other partners have been at Fort Lee in Virginia, assisting the U.S. government in the welcoming and resettlement of SIV [Special Immigrant Visa] applicants and their families.  We will continue that work as long as necessary until those in harm’s way are brought to safety.
 
“The government’s goal to relocate as many as 30,000 SIV applicants to the United States remains a monumental task that hangs in the balance.  We know that time is of the essence to help our brothers and sisters in need, and we call on our government to act with the utmost urgency, considering all available avenues to preserve life.  We also join the Holy Father in praying for peace in Afghanistan—‘that the clamor of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue.’”
 
In my August 25, 2021 Flocknote to the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Community I mentioned that through the New Neighbors Interfaith Alliance (NNIA), we, at St. Francis of Assisi, already have the structure in place to help any of these families wishing to settle in our area. This umbrella group of faith communities offers support to newly resettled immigrants who recently arrived in the Washington DC metro area. 
 
Working with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and groups like Catholic Charities, the NNIA offers the welcoming arms, trustworthy advice, and Christian love these families need to acclimate themselves to their new home.
 
As the Afghan immigrants come to the United States, their immediate need will include housing, psychological support services, family reunification services, and financial help. It is likely that we will be given the opportunity to begin sponsoring a family within a month or so after they have settled.
 
If you feel called to help with this ministry, I would be happy to put you in contact with parishioner Chris King, who helps lead a small team of parishioners who are seeking asylum and immigrant families from Syria, Cameroon and other crisis-plagued countries for many years. Their ministry in helping our brothers and sisters transition from a fight-or-flight existence to the safe and stable lives we experience every day is one of the best examples of Christian discipleship we could offer as Catholics and as members of the human family. You can sign up for the monthly NNIA newsletter or contact Chris King for more information on helping.  Please contact me at the Parish Office if you would like more information or would like to volunteer.  I will pass along your contact information to Chris.
 
Until next week,
Fr. John