Families and communities around the world have been separated due to war and natural disasters. Refugees make long and dangerous journeys, in hope of a better life, despite the uncertain future.
Our faith calls us to act; although sometimes our individual actions seem inconsequential, together we can offer hope, love and give refugees dignity as we stand alongside them.
During The Year of Mercy, Pope Francis reminds us that “we ourselves need to see, and then enable others to see, that migrants and refugees are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected and loved.”
One man, Francesco Tuccio, proved an act of kindness can make a massive difference. A carpenter from the small Italian Island of Lampedusa used his compassion to craft a cross of hope.
Three years ago, a boat set sail from Africa towards Europe, filled with over 500 refugees who were fleeing Eritrea and Somalia. On route, the boat caught fire, capsized and sank; 311 people perished. Inhabitants of Lampedusa helped save the lives of 155 people.
Heartbroken, Mr Tuccio met some of the survivors at his local church, he wanted to help. He wanted to give them was a symbol of hope. Mt Tuccio collected the broken pieces of wood that had washed ashore and made the Lampedusa Cross. He offered a handmade cross to each of the survivors as a sign of hope, solidarity and love.
Pope Francis carried the Lampedusa cross at a memorial service. CAFOD, together with Caritas Social Action and the Jesuit Refugee Service, has offered all Cathedrals in England and Wales with a Lampedusa Cross so they can display it.
Inspired by the Year of Mercy, people across England and Wales have begun to write messages of hope, which will be shared with refugees. Parish and school communities are organising pilgrimages to reflect on the refugee crisis and demonstrate how, through our faith, we can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
We have created resources to help you organise your own pilgrimage in your parish, school or group, or use as part of any other Year of Mercy pilgrimage. During the pilgrimage, there is an opportunity to write messages for hope for refugees. To find out more, order or download the pilgrimage reflection and cards for your messages of hope, visit cafod.org.uk/yearofmercy