Thirty migrants join Calais 'jungle' and Dunkirk camp daily

The Calais 'jungle'

The population of the Calais and Dunkirk camps has again risen beyond 5000 and grows at the rate of some 30 new souls daily. The site of the Calais 'jungle' has changed greatly since the destruction of many dwellings in February, but the camp has not gone away, with thousands of migrants still relying on aid and the hard work of volunteers.

Observations from several visits to Calais in recent weeks have now been added to the website, 'Seeking Sanctuary', including a number of new photographs which help to convey the permanent changes that have taken place during 2016. Several services have grown, including places of worship and of learning - none of them with government or UN funding. Major aid agencies remain absent (apart from MSF), there is insufficient support from governments, and the work of volunteers is essential in soliciting and distributing aid from a generous public. Supplying basic necessities is crucial.

Visit http://seekingsanctuary.weebly.com/ to read the latest reports, including those of Sarah Horton with BBC Local Radio on May 23; Fr Dominic Howarth, also on 23 May; and a group from Bangor, in the diocese of St Asaph in North Wales, who feel a particular bond of solidarity with the migrants in Northern France.

New prayers have been added recently to the website 'Prayers for Migrants' www.prayersformigrants.weebly.com

The following is one of those prayers:

God, our Father, no one is a stranger to you.

You watch over each of us with your loving gaze.

May those people fleeing from their homes in search of refuge be reminded that your own Son, and Mary our Mother, also experienced life as refugees and be renewed in their faith and hope.

Guide political leaders to act generously and work towards lasting and meaningful peace in those areas affected by violence and conflict.

May we, through Christ's example, open our arms and hearts in welcome to those most in need of safety, shelter and compassion.

Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Cardinal Vincent Nichols)