ACMRO News September 2015

2015-2016 Social Justice Statement  

For those who've come across the seas

The title of the 2015-2016 Social Justice Statement has been taken from the second verse of the National Anthem. In this Social Justice Statement, Australia’s Bishops ask us to re-examine our responses to refugees and asylum seekers. For more information and copies of the Statement, click here.
 

Bishop Long Welcomes Announcement Australia will Accept 12,000 More Refugees

Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen, Bishop Delegate to the ACMRO, has welcomed the Government's announcement that an extra 12,000 refugees will be accepted from Syria and Iraq.

For the full statement, please click here.

Pope Francis USA Trip
Meeting with children and immigrant families - Our Lady, Queen of Angels School, Harlem, New York

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, on his recent trip to the United States of America, took time to meet with school children and immigrant families.  Speaking to them, he said:

"Even though I know that it is not easy to have to move and find a new home, to meet new neighbors and new friends. It is not easy, but you have to start. At the beginning it can be pretty hard. Often you have to learn a new language, adjust to a new culture, even a new climate."

"Wherever there is joy, Jesus is always present. Because Jesus is joy, and he wants to help us to feel that joy every day of our lives."

For the full transcript of his talk, click here.

Photo: L'Osserevatore Romano 2015

Pope Francis USA Trip 
Meeting for Religious Liberty with the Hispanic Community and Other Immigrants - Independence Mall, Philadelphia

Pope Francis, during his address on Religious Liberty at Independence Mall in Philadelphia, spoke to the Hispanic migrants present telling them: 

"Do not be discouraged by whatever hardships you face. I ask you not to forget that, like those who came here before you, you bring many gifts to this nation. Please, you should never be ashamed of your traditions. Do not forget the lessons you learned from your elders, which are something you can bring to enrich the life of this American land."

The full transcript of Pope Francis' talk can be found here.

Photo: L'Osserevatore Romano 2015