Candlelit Advent service for refugees

Candlelit vigil Dover 2019

The Columbans in Britain are hosting a special candlelit service for refugee friends this Advent and are inviting Columban supporters and partners to join the event on Thursday, 16 December from 8-9pm on Zoom.

Advent is a time of waiting as we prepare to welcome Jesus into the world. This brings to mind the lived experience of refugees around the world waiting to find safety, to hear from a loved one, about a decision about their future… waiting to be welcomed.

The Columban Advent Service will remember all those who have lost their lives whilst seeking a better life. It will remember those who live in fear of violence and oppression, those journeying to safety and those waiting to hear news from those they love.

Figures suggest that more than 25,000 people have made the dangerous journey from France to the UK across the English Channel this year. These families are fleeing war, violence and persecution and fear for their lives. Very recently it was reported that 27 people drowned trying to reach UK shores in the deadliest crossing on record. This demonstrates the increasingly desperate and dangerous decisions that people are having to make in pursuit of safety.

For the past 20 years the Missionary Society of St Columban has committed to, "continue accompanying and defending the rights of migrants," and to address the underlying causes of the migration of peoples. Columbans recognise the right to migrate in search of a better life and support refugees and asylum seekers in a number of places, such as the US-Mexico border, Australia and in Britain.

Nathalie Marytsch is a Columban Lay Missionary in Britain and, as part of her ministry, welcomes refugees and asylum seekers in Birmingham, offering practical support and advice. She says: "It's heart-breaking to hear over and over again in the news about people risking their lives to cross the English Channel to get to the safety of UK shores. The Nationality and Borders Bill - which passed its third reading in the House of Commons on 8 December - does nothing to increase safe and legal routes to the UK. I fear dangerous crossings across the Channel will continue if the Bill is not amended, as it is the only route for most people looking to claim asylum in the UK."

During the Candlelit Advent Service for Refugees there will be prayer, scripture readings and hymns as well as quiet reflection and an opportunity to take action in support of refugees. As a display of solidarity, we will invite participants to light their own candles during the service.

Full details for joining the service at: https://columbans.co.uk/mission/8916/candlelit-advent-service-for-refugees/