Prayer Service for migrants and refugees at Westminster

Westminster Justice and Peace Commission has organised a Prayer Service for Refugees and Migrants around the Lampedusa Cross in Westminster Cathedral on Friday 23 June at 6.30pm in a side chapel.

This will be followed by a talk in the Hinsley Room, Morpeth Terrace, behind the Cathedral, at 7.15pm, from Pawel Zabielski. He is TB and Health Services Coordinator at Olallo House, a centre for migrants and homeless in Central London, run by the Brothers of St John of God Hospitaller Services.

The Lampedusa Cross is one of many made by Francesco Tuccio, a carpenter from the small Italian island of Lampedusa. When hundreds of refugees who were fleeing Eritrea and Somalia drowned off the coast of Lampedusa, he was moved to gather the driftwood from the wrecked boats and turn them into crosses, which he offered to survivors as a small but powerful symbol of hope. Pope Francis carried one of the Lampedusa crosses at a memorial Mass to commemorate people who have died, and the British Museum is now displaying a Lampedusa Cross as a reminder to people of the refugee crisis the world is facing.

The service and talk will take place during Refugee Week 19-25 June. This is UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events, religious services and activities that celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK and promotes better understanding of why people seek sanctuary.

Westminster Justice and Peace Commission supports the laity as well as priests and bishops of the diocese in developing awareness of and ensuring engagement with and commitment to Justice and Peace as an integral part of the life of the Church and its living out of Gospel/Kingdom values.

Links:
https://westminsterjp.wordpress.com/
http://refugeeweek.org.uk/