News & Events

Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Free to Choose Whether to Migrate or to Stay", for https://migrants-refugees.va/world-day-of-migrants-refugees/his message today, promoting a renewed reflection on the right to be able to remain in one’s own land."The decision to migrate should always be free," he said, "yet in many cases, even in our day, it is not. Conflicts, natural disasters, or more simply the impossibility of living a dignified and prosperous life in one’s native land is forcing millions of persons to leave." 

He continues with the challenge that confronts people and nations,"Migrants flee because of poverty, fear or desperation. Eliminating these causes and thus putting an end to forced migration calls for shared commitment on the part of all, in accordance with the responsibilities of each. This commitment begins with asking what we can do, but also what we need to stop doing. We need to make every effort to halt the arms race, economic colonialism, the plundering of other people’s resources and the devastation of our common home."

World Day of Migrants and refugees is always an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.

Sisters of Mercy Parramatta Congregation support Arrupe Place, the Jesuit Refugee Service Shelter Project. Read about this partnership project here

"We will nurture relations that are kind, just, respectful and inclusive..." (Chapter Statement)

On International Peace Day, the United Nations asks for a 24-hour ceasefire of all hostilities around the world.  The world is facing the highest number of violent conflicts since the Second World War and 2 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live in places affected by such conflict. On this day the UN asks people to observe one minute of silence at noon to honour victims of war and violence.

However, the International Day of Peace isn't just about ending international conflicts. It is also about changing our behaviour towards each other and our environment. We are reminded in this video that we can all contribute to making the world a more peaceful place.

"We will nurture relations that are kind, just, respectful and inclusive..."(Chapter Statement)

English priest and theologian, James Alison, will be speaking to this topic on Wednesday 27 September in The Great Hall at St Aloysius’ College, Kirribilli from 7pm to 9pm. Renowned journalist Geraldine Doogue AO will be the MC for the evening.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased via www.trybooking.com/CKUIH or by phoning (02) 4971 4090.

Fr Alison is known for promoting conversation and outreach in the Church on matters concerning members of the LGBTQIA+ community. He shares a vision of an inclusive, psychologically healthy Christian life that is scripturally based, theologically orthodox and ecclesially grounded...

• Read the complete article here
• Download the media release here

"We will nurture relations that are kind, just, respectful and inclusive among each other..."(Chapter Statement)

R U OK? is a public health promotion charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.

R U OK? is calling on all of us to let the people you care about know you're here, to really hear them. 

By taking the time for an R U OK? conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind, we can all help the people in our world feel supported and connected.

Download resources here