We are all well aware of the plight of refuges in our own country. One has only to pick up a paper or switch on the TV, to read or see something of the current thinking of Australians on the issue of refugees and people seeking asylum.

We, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, both here in Australia and throughout the world, are committed to welcoming refugees and displaced people.

Today, more than ever, there are millions of people suffering trauma and grief and extreme anguish and our charism calls us to alleviate suffering wherever we find it.Our last General Chapter recommendations stated that, as Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart:

‘‘We are working with, advocating for and empowering the poor and all who suffer, particularly women and children through our ministries” among refugees and displaced persons

‘Immigrants dying at sea, in boats which were vehicles of hope and became vehicles of death ... These brothers and sisters of ours were trying to escape difficult situations to find some serenity and peace; they were looking for a better place for themselves and their families, but instead they found death. How often do such people fail to find understanding, fail to find acceptance, fail to find solidarity. And their cry rises up to God!’

Pope Francis

pdf  Declare Peace on Refugees (click here to download)