– close borders and turn away ... The world will be judged by the way it has treated you .”
Similarly , Francis told those interned at the Moria refugee camp that he wanted to be with them and to hear their stories . As he departed Greece , Francis accompanied three families of refugees from the camp back to Rome for their resettlement . Two months later , nine more arrived . In these acts of hospitality , Francis revealed the embodiment of mercy by welcoming the stranger to their new home , a place of safety and refuge .
In the month that followed , he did even more to challenge us in his role as a compassionate spiritual leader . On May 26 , 2016 , Pope Francis was given the life jacket of a young girl who had drowned . Oscar Camps , founder of a non-profit Spanish organization that attempts to rescue migrants caught at sea , said the following when offering the life jacket to the Pope : “ Each boat-load of people has a dramatic tale to tell ... families are separated , orphaned children who lost their parents along the way now find themselves in a strange country , a continent that is not their own , and no one to help them .”
Within days after his meeting with Camps , Francis spoke to a group of Italian youth while holding the girl ’ s life jacket . Ann Schneible of the Catholic New Agency documented this gathering :
“ Let us think of this little girl : what was her name ? I do not know : a little girl with no name ,” the pontiff said , according to Vatican Radio ’ s translation . “ Each of you give her the name you would like , each in his heart . She is in heaven ; she is looking on us .”
As he explained the encounter with Oscar Camps , Schneible recounts :
“ He brought me this jacket ,” the pontiff said ... “ and with tears in his eyes he said to me , ‘ Father , I couldn ’ t do it – there was a little girl on the waves , and I did all I could , but I couldn ’ t save her : only her life vest was left .’”
“ I do not ( tell you this because I ) want you to be sad , but ( because ) you are brave and you ( should ) know the truth : they are in danger – many boys and girls , small children , men , women – they are in danger ,” he said .
At that same event , money for the children of Lesbos was presented to Francis from the children of a school in Vibo Marina . They signed a letter stating :
“ We children promise that we will welcome anyone who arrives in our country ... we shall never consider anyone who has a different skin color , or who speaks a different language , or who professes a different religion from ours , a dangerous enemy .”
A simple yet radical act of solidarity by children . Could we sign such a letter ? Would we make such a promise ?
The Work of Our Hearts
Throughout the centuries , humanity has been in search for places of safety , places where human dignity is extended equally to all , regardless of language , skin color , religion and country of origin . The infancy narrative , as documented in the Gospel of Matthew , shows that the first years of the Holy Family were spent as refugees , strangers seeking sanctuary . The scriptural tale of the holy innocents is a grim reminder of how the young and vulnerable suffered and continue to live in grave danger .
Unlike the childhood game of tag where home base is easily within reach , the plight of refugees involves fleeing persecution , often moving across long expanses of rough waters and treacherous terrain . Aliens in a strange land seek places where their families can flourish , not perish . Our God tells us what we must do to love .
It is grave yet sacred work to create safety – a place where we allow others to catch their breath , find their footing , and make their own bold move away from a place of safety outward into our world . If we are to create sanctuary for others – whether it is for a new coworker , a new next-door neighbor , or literally , those seeking asylum because of the terror they face in their homeland , we must do the work of love . And the first place must be in our own hearts .
Mindful of the words of Leviticus , we must love and show care for those who are displaced for we , too , have walked as strangers – aliens – in foreign lands . Create a safe place .
Celebration is a monthly liturgical planning resource published by National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company . Contact Denise Simeone ( dsimeone @ ncronline . org ) for further information or for a sample subscription to Celebration . W
January 2017 • The New Wine Press • 9