Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
Media Release – For Immediate Release

4 June 2009

God Walks with Today’s Refugees – Caritas Resources for Day of Prayer

Caritas resources prepared for the Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants (June 21) remind us that God has always walked alongside refugees and continues to do so today.

The Day of Prayer was established by New Zealand’s Catholic Bishops to remember and honour the experiences of refugees and migrants in our midst. It coincides with the end of Refugee Week (June 14-20) which has the theme “Real people, real needs”.

Caritas resources sent to Catholic parishes include a poster featuring Burmese refugees crossing to Thailand, suggested prayers and children’s liturgy material. Caritas also has available a powerpoint presentation on Burmese refugees in Thailand, and copies of the ‘mythbusting’ leaflet Refugee Myths and Realities.

Parishes are encouraged to use the Day of Prayer for Refugees and Migrants to celebrate the cultures within their communities and consider how they welcome newcomers.

Caritas would also like all people of goodwill to consider the millions of refugees and displaced people worldwide who will never reach our borders or live in our local communities, but who remain part of our human family.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 162 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS

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