In these uncertain times, Pope Francis encourages us to “know in order to understand” – as personal knowledge is a necessary step towards appreciating the plight of others. With the unprecedented arrival of COVID-19, it is more important than ever to open our hearts and eyes to action by recognizing, contemplating, and sharing the life of refugees, IDPs, and migrants.
On World Refugee Day 2020 we organised an online event. Speakers gave an overview of forced displacement around the world and the impact of COVID-19 on our refugee brothers and sisters. They offered real life experiences and spoke to Pope Francis’s message of being close in order to serve.
Speakers include:
• Carolina Gottardo, Australia Country Director, Jesuit Refugee Service
• Sister Carmen Elisa Bandeo, SSpS, Coordinator of the Jesuit Refugee Service Greece Education Project, Magistories
• Taban Patrick Consantino, SJ, Licentiate Student, Gregorian University
Special Guests:
• Donatella Parisi, Communications Coordinator, Centro Astalli
• Father Thomas H. Smolich, SJ, International Director, Jesuit Refugee Service
