Refugee Week 2025 – Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community

Each year, Refugee Week invites us to pause and reflect on one of the most pressing moral and humanitarian challenges of our time, the displacement of millions across the globe due to conflict, persecution and injustice. In our Catholic tradition, the call to “welcome the stranger” is not just a moral suggestion but a Gospel imperative “…as you did this to one of the least of these my sisters and brothers, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). This issue is particularly relevant in this year in our College as we focus on our core value of Hospitality. Throughout the last week, our school community together with all throughout the world, stood in solidarity with people seeking asylum, guided by both the teachings of Jesus and the values of the Brigidine tradition.

This week we mourn the passing of Sr Angela Ryan, past Principal of Kilbreda College. A devout Brigidine, she truly lived our motto, Strength and Kindliness. Her legacy and that of the Brigidines continuously call us to respond to injustice with courage, compassion and practical action. Sr Angela and all Brigidines supported the creation of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP), and through this, the Sisters have shown what it means to live the Gospel: offering hospitality, advocating for justice, and walking alongside those in need with dignity and respect.

In the spirit of St Brigid, a woman of deep faith, radical hospitality, and fierce advocacy, our students have engaged this Refugee Week in activities that foster empathy and action. Through prayer, dialogue, creative expression, and awareness-raising, we are nurturing a generation that understands faith as not only a personal journey, but also a public responsibility.

As a Catholic school, our mission is to form hearts and minds capable of seeing Christ in every person, especially in those who are displaced, vulnerable or voiceless. May Refugee Week continue to inspire our young people to be leaders of justice, agents of compassion, and voices for hope, living witnesses to the Gospel in the tradition of St Brigid.

Loving God,

We pray for all refugees who have been forced from their homes in search of safety and hope.

Grant them strength and comfort in their journey.

Bless those who welcome and support them with compassion.

May the world grow in understanding so all find dignity and belonging.

Help us to speak with justice and act with care.

May love overcome fear, and hope lead every refugee to a brighter future.

Amen.

As we come to the end of another busy term, we thank God for all the blessings we have received. We look forward to the final week of the term and activities like the Year 10 and Year 8 (Group 1) Retreat Days on Monday 30 June and the Year 8 (Group 2) Retreat Day on Thursday 3 July. We pray these will be special occasions in the lives of our students. May you have a restful term break so you can be ready for all the amazing things Kilbreda has available throughout Term 3.

John Riddle

Director of Catholic Identity and Mission

Head of Counselling Services