Southwark: St George's Cathedral hosts Mass for Migrants 2018

The world came to St George's Cathedral, Southwark, on Monday's Bank Holiday for the thirteenth annual Mass for Migrants in honour of St Joseph the Worker.

This joint celebration between the three Catholic diocese of London - Brentwood, Southwark and Westminster, and supported by the diocesan Justice and Peace Commissions and London Citizens - was led by the Archbishop of Southwark, the Most Reverend Peter Smith.

Concelebrating were the Eritrean Eparch Kidane Yebio, Bishop Alan Williams from Brentwood Diocese, Bishop Paul McAleenan from Westminster Diocese, Bishop Pat Lynch, auxiliary in Southwark, together with people and priests from London, Essex, Kent and Hertfordshire.

The Mass began with a colourful procession of banners and people fromthe different communities wearing their national dress, followed by the clergy. Migrants from Zambia, Nigeria, China, Philippines, India, Iraq and Syria were amongst those represented. Sean Ryan MBE, from Caritas Salford, gave the first address, in which he said that as the refugee crisis around the world has gone from bad to worse, Pope Francis has encouraged "every parish, every religious community, every monastery, every sanctuary of Europe take in one family." Sean announced that a Syrian family is due to arrive in Southwark Diocese shortly. A Syrian refugee, Samir, who is living with St Monica's parish in Hoxton, spoke of his appreciation and gratitude for the support he has been given.

Throughout the Mass, prayers were said in Polish, Tagalog, Bulgarian,French and Yoruba.

During his homily, Archbishop Peter stressed that Catholic Social Teaching recognises the right of every person to emigrate. He pointed out that there are 46 ethnic chaplaincies in London and "migrants have brought richness to the Church here".

The Archbishop told migrants in the congregation: "I want to thank you and the wider migrant community for your presence in this country - it is a great blessing."

Francis Novillo co-ordinated the music throughout the Mass. There was a beautiful Agnus Dei sung in Spanish by members of the Latin American Chaplaincy. During Communion the choir sang in Cantonese 'From sunrise to sunset, praise the Lord.' An Italian choir sang a Taize chant, and there were very moving hymns from Syria and Nigeria.

After Communion, Ansel Wong from the Windrush Foundation spoke about their work with migrants from the Caribbean. "We are faithful servants, coupling justice with charity" he said. He also mentioned his work inaugurating Black History Month in October.

Fr Hapte, Chair of JPIC Southwark, announced that Southwark Diocese will beholding their Justice and Peace Assembly, entitled Laudato Si - responding to the call of Pope Francis on 2 June at St Mary's Church,70 Wellesley Road, West Croydon CR0 2AR. The keynote speaker will be Ellen Teague of the Columban JPIC team.

After the final blessing, and a prayer for peace in the countries represented at the Mass, the final hymn was 'O Lord my God when I in awesome wonder'. A colourful procession spilled out onto the sunny forecourt of the cathedral where the crowds stayed for pictures and chatted with the bishops.

Refugee Week takes place from 10 - 17 June. See ICN Listings pages for details of more events.

See ICN's Facebook page for more pictures.