In this reflection from Andy Hamilton SJ, he reflects on how Advent and times of fasting and feasting reflect the difficult and joyous times in our own lives. While we wait for the joy and celebration of Christmas, we may experience difficulty, but we wait in hope for Emmanuel. Just as Jesus’ coming gives us hope in the dark, our compassion and care for others, particularly refugees and asylum seekers experiencing difficulty, can be that hope.
The Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN) have released their compendium report from 45 different Catholic agencies called the ACAN Modern Slavery Statements. Over 400 million people are in slavery like conditions, and ACAN has been created to eradicate modern slavery from the supply chains of Australian Catholic agencies, in line with the Pope’s and Federal governments commitment to end modern slavery by 2030.
Today, the World Day of Prayer for the Poor, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development announces the launch of the next phase of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. The ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace has played a key role in its development as a member of the Parishes and Dioceses working group.
Fr Richard Lennan, Professor of Systematic Theology at Boston College, addressed the First Assembly of the Plenary Council as one of its expert advisors. He explained that we need an ‘integral ecclesiology’ to parallel Pope Francis’ ‘integral ecology’.
In a media statement on 14 October 2021, Bishop Long welcomed the end of the Australian offshore detention program in Papua New Guinea. However durable solutions are needed for those refugees and asylum seekers who do not wish to settle there, and the program continues in Nauru.
Bishop Vincent Long, Chair of the Australian Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service has written on the Nuclear Submarine deal by the Federal Government with the United States. “The Australian Government’s decision to buy nuclear-powered submarines has brought to the surface once again big questions around how governments should spend money, particularly during a pandemic.”
“Today’s children and teenagers will face catastrophic consequences unless we take responsibility now.” Pope Francis, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury have released a joint statement on the protection of Creation. They cite the importance of GOP26, “We pray for our leaders who will gather in Glasgow to decide the future of our planet and its people…’To whom much is given, much is required.’ (Lk 12:48).”
The first anniversary of the release of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Fratelli Tutti was celebrated on 3 October, 2021. The encyclical, which focuses on social friendship and overcoming racism and discrimination through dialogue and encounter has a new website which contains many resources all can use to share its message that we are all one human family. Videos, infographics, reflections, social media graphics, photos and prayers are available.
The Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum, of which the ACBC Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace is a part, is running an ongoing campaign to support the people of Afghanistan. It is looking for people to contact their local member of Parliament and advocate for 20,000 refugee places and permanent protection. Offshore processes will end in Papua New Guinea with the Australia and PNG governments ending their agreement. It will continue on Nauru.
The Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace is co-leading a 40-day prayer campaign based on the Laudato Si’ Goals, for communities joining the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. The prayer campaign begins on 4 October, the Feast of St. Francis, and concludes on 14 November, the World Day of Prayer for the Poor.