What’s Up? is a newsletter of the Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care. It provides A GLIMPSE of recent, current and
forthcoming events in multicultural and cross cultural pastoral care in the Archdiocese of
Brisbane and beyond. P: (07) 3324 3451 | W: [email protected]
www.multiculturalcare.org.au
, Issue 1
Volume 19
6
March 201
MDA’s Work and Welcome 500
Initiative seeks to transform lives of refugees
I wish to draw your attention to a
government refugee support initiative
through one of the major settlement
agencies in Queensland —
Multicultural Development
Association’s Work and Welcome
500. This noteworthy initiative has
the potential to transform lives.
MDA’s Work & Welcome 500 is a
very practical way of supporting
refugees and asylum seekers arriving in
Australia in creating employment
opportunities. The initiative was
launched in November last year at
Padua College in Kedron and it has
the support of the Queensland
Government, the Catholic Archdiocese
of Brisbane, Chamber of Commerce
and Industry Queensland and
Queensland Council of Unions. A
number of Catholic schools have
already taken part of this initiative
The 500 job placements target was
developed in order to provide
opportunities to newly arrived
refugees in finding employment. As
economic and financial independence
is key to a successful refugee
resettlement, Work &
Welcome 500 not only
seeks to overcome the
common barriers to
employment experienced
by refugees, it also
endeavours to assist
employers with their short
and long term staffing
needs.
How might we take action?
MDA’s Work & Welcome
500 lists a number ways:
◦ Host and fund a refugee
in your workplace. The
cost of a 12-week
placement covers wages
and training, is fully tax
deductible and gives you access to
the unique skills experience and
perspective refugees offer.
◦ Sponsor a work placement in a local
small business. Fund a 12-week
work placement for a local small
business. Your donation will be
100% tax deductible.
◦ Promote an employee giving
program. Encourage your employees
to donate small, regular amounts
from their pay into a Work &
Welcome fund. You can even match
your employees’ donations dollar for
dollar and when you’ve collectively
reached the target a refugee will
start work in your business.
I encourage anyone interested to visit
the MDA website https://
mdaltd.org.au/work-and-welcome/
- Clyde Cosentino (CMPC Director)
Brisbane welcomes interstate guests
Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Centre for
Multicultural Pastoral Care was recently
host to the meeting of Catholic
Immigration and Multicultural Directors
and Vicars. This was held on 23 and 24
February at Francis Rush Centre and
Penola Place in Brisbane.
Organised by the Australian Catholic
Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO),
these meetings are held twice a year to
discuss local, national and international
issues concerning the pastoral care of
migrants and refugees.
Hosted in different
dioceses, the meetings
provide an opportunity for
ACMRO Director Fr
Maurizio Pettena CS to keep in touch
with migrant chaplains and pastoral
workers across Australia and keep
abreast of local issues affecting the
communities.
On day one Archbishop Mark Coleridge
welcomed and joined the group for
lunch at Francis Rush Centre. On the
same day, the Immigration/Multicultural
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Directors and Vicars also met with a
number of Brisbane chaplains and
pastoral workers including Latin
American Chaplain Fr Ignacio GutierrezRodriguez cs (photo on page 8, far right)
Vietnamese Chaplain Fr Joseph Vu SVD,
Sudanese Community Leader Francis
Anei, Filipino Chaplain Fr Terrence
Nueva and Indonesian Chaplain Fr
(Continued on page 8)
Catholic Ethnic Communities in Brisbane
Ethnic Ministers Group: Members
At their first meeting for the year, on 18
February, members of the Ethnic Ministers
Group welcomed Fr Stephen Kumyangi from
South Sudan. Fr Stephen arrived in
Australia at the beginning of this year. Fr
Stephen will be taking up appointment to
the Sudanese Catholic Community in due
course.
welcome Fr Stephen
sisters, in particular, the Holy spirit Sisters
and the Canossian Sisters.
At the meeting the chaplains also welcomed
back Fr Peter Kavumpuram MST, chaplain
to the Syro-Malabar Indian Community who
has been away for a number of months.
Fr Stephen Kumyangi
Since the first wave of arrivals in 1998,
Sudanese Catholics have been gathering
mainly in Annerley parish for Mass and
other religious gatherings. Over many
years, a succession of priests from other
parishes and ethnic communities took turns
celebrating Mass for the Community in
English. Homilies were delivered by
community leaders in Arabic. Alongside
religious celebrations, pastoral care was
also provided over many years by religious
Mainstream and Specialised Ministry:
Nurturing the best of both worlds
In December last year, the
Ethnic Ministers Group
gathered for their last
meeting for 2015 at
Wynberg in New Farm,
home of Archbishop Mark
Coleridge.
After the usual 2-hour
meeting, fifteen Chaplains,
Pastoral Ministers and
CMPC staff gathered at the
Wynberg verandah and
enjoyed a Christmas lunch
provided by the generous
Archbishop Mark.
Pictured from left: Fr
Terrence Nueva (Filipino
Community, also Parish
Priest of Acacia Ridge), Fr
Gerry Hefferan (Timor
Leste Community, also
Parish Priest of Bracken Ridge), Fr Pio
Hendi (Indonesian Community),
Francis Anei (Sudanese Annerley
Community Leader), Sr Odete Moreira
(Timor Leste Community) Bishop
Joseph Oudeman (currently Chair),
Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Sr Rosa
Vazzano FDCC (emerging
communities in Logan – African,
Burmese, Sri Lankan), Fr Nacho
Guitierrez CS (Latin American
Community, also Parish Priest of New
Farm), Fr Nick Zlatunic (Croatian
Community), Fr Zenon Broniarczyk
SChr (Polish Community, also
Associate Pastor Bowen Hills), Fr Epati
Tamati (Samoan Community, also
Associate Pastor of Birkdale Parish),
Percy Pamo Lawrence (CMPC Staff),
Clyde Cosentino (CMPC Director) and
Fr Albert Chan (Chinese Community).
Present but not in group photo, Fr
Andrew Kolaczkowski SChr (Polish
Community, also Parish Priest of
Bowen Hills.
From the Statement on the Pastoral
Care of Migrants and Refugees,
-2-
Australian Catholic Bishops’
Conference, 2000: “As people to
whom a specialised ministry is
entrusted, Migrant Chaplains and
Migrant Pastoral Workers should see
themselves as builders of bridges
between the migrants and the local
community.“ . . .“Often Migrant
Chaplains and Migrant Pastoral
Workers have also to be bridges of
reconciliation and unity among the
people entrusted to their care, helping
them to heal and overcome historical
factions and rivalries.”
Catholic Ethnic Communities in Brisbane
Indonesian Community:
Brisbane youth host national conference
In partnership with Indonesian Catholic youth ministries in
various Australian states, the Indonesian Catholic
Community Brisbane & Gold Coast, is hosting a national
youth Conference for all Indonesian youth across Australia.
KOMKIA [Konferensi Orang Muda Katolik Indonesia
Australia] translates to Indonesian Australian Catholic
Youth Conference. With the Conference theme “Shine Like
Stars in the World” the Indonesian youth team commits to
spreading the life of the Gospel among all Indonesian
Catholic families in Australia and building an external
network with other parishes in the Archdiocese of
Brisbane. As one member puts it, KOMKIA 2016 “all about
“faith development, good friends, and good times.”
For more information visit the KOMKIA website http://
komkia.org/ and Facebook page https://
www.facebook.com/komkia/
The Conference runs for 4 days and 3 nights — 14 to 17
July 2016 at CYC Burleigh Heads.
Sudanese Community: Youth
involvement is promising
While peace still eludes the 4 year-old country of South
Sudan, the Sudanese leadership in Brisbane continues to
rise over ongoing community issues and concerns.
Formation and training of young and future leaders sit high
on the list of priorities.
Youth retreat facilitated by Frassati Ministries.
Following a youth retreat facilitated by Sr Rosa Vazzano in
December last year, a group of young Sudanese (with a
little help from their elders) organized a workshop in
Tarragindi on 30 January 2016. The workshop facilitated
by Frassati Ministries explored the theme ‘young people
and evangelisation’.
This group of young people are actively involved in the
various activities of the Sudanese Community as they
gather for Mass and other activities at Mary Immaculate
Church and Hall in Annerley.
The Community recently gathered for a special Sunday
Mass in observance of the annual Feast of St Josephine
Bakhita (8 February) which is also the International Day of
Prayer Against Human Trafficking. On this day the
Community warmly welcomed Fr Stephen Kumyangi who
recently arrived from South Sudan. Fr Stephen will be
taking up appointment to the Sudanese Catholic
Community in due course.
Community celebrates the Feast of St Bakhita.
Latin American Community: Reflections
Reflections on the Life of Blessed Oscar Romero in the
Holy Year of Mercy.
The Monseñor Oscar Romero Committee Brisbane invites
all interested to a reflection gathering to commemorate
the 36th anniversary of Archbishop Oscar Romero's
martyrdom on Saturday, 12 March from 8am to 5pm at
the Our Lady of Fatima Community Hall, 350 Mortimer
Road, Acacia Ridge (Mass at 4pm at the Our Lady of
Fatima Church).
on the life of Moseñor Romero
Guest speakers include Fr
Ignacio Gutierrez cs, Mrs Marina
Castellanos (in Spanish) and Fr
Pancras Jordan (in English).
Reflection materials in English
will also be made available.
Morning & afternoon tea and
lunch will be provided. Donation
$10.00. More information on
3800 1584, 0433 981 788.
-3-
Catholic
In
the Archdiocese
Ethnic Communities in Brisbane
Ethnic Communities: Leaders
Feeling at home in a larger
archdiocesan gathering, young
leaders from the African and Latin
American communities explored
leadership possibilities in the Year of
Mercy’ at a recent workshop
organised by Evangelisation Brisbane.
The one-day workshop held on 27
February at Carina Parish’ Dominic
Centre offered a tapas menu style
‘small tastes of parish possibilities’
focussing on the theme ‘mercy’ as
tap into archdiocesan event
Pope Francis has called the Jubilee
Year of Mercy (8 December 2015 to
Nov. 20, 2016). Archbishop Mark
Coleridge started the day early by
celebrating Mass at the Our Lady of
Grace’s Church and later opening the
morning session with a reflection on
the Jubilee of Mercy.
Brisbane theologian Natalie Lindner
L’Huillier explored in-depth the word
‘mercy’ on a personal, interpersonal
and social levels of daily life.
Filipino Community: Chaplaincy
This year’s annual Parish
Development Day (previously called
Parish Council Development Day)
extended training and formation to
include not only parish council
members but also those who show an
interest in taking on leadership roles
in parish/ethnic community setting. A
natural case of integration, a number
of people from ethnic communities
(eg. Filipino) identified as parish
delegates instead if ethnic community
representatives.
lines up Lent and Easter activities
The celebration starts in two separate
processions outside the church. The
men of the community, in a procession
of joyful celebration, accompany the
Risen Christ and the twelve apostles.
One Easter celebration that The women of the community together
is unique to the Filipinos is with young angels in white dresses, in
a somber procession of mourning,
Salubong (Tagalog for
accompany the Blessed Mother,
“meeting”), a traditional
shrouded in a black mourning veil.
Filipino devotion that
reenacts the encounter of They arrive at a designated meeting
place, usually in front of the church,
the risen Christ with his
where a little girl dressed as an angel
mother. Salubong in the
removes the black mourning veil from
Filipino Community this
the Virgin Mary.
year will be celebrated at Our Lady of
As with other parishes and ethnic
Information and photo source: (Friends of
Fatima Church, 350 Mortimer Road,
communities in Brisbane, the Filipino
Filipino Chaplaincy Brisbane Facebook
community begins to prepare Lent and Acacia Ridge on the early morning of
Easter Sunday, 5:00am on 27 March. page, http://bustedhalo.com/)
Easter activities including novena
Masses, Stations of the
Cross and a number of
other traditional and
devotional activities.
Chinese Community: Youth
Group gets busy with two events
In preparation for a forthcoming Youth Camp, the
Catholic Chinese Community Brisbane Youth Group is
organizing a Games Night on Easter Monday, 28
March at the Sacred Heart Centre in Runcorn. The
Games Night will feature a line-up of fun activities
including ice breakers, team-working games and
charades. The night will conclude with a praise and
worship session.
The 3-day CCCB Youth Camp 2016 from 1 to 3
July carries the theme “Mercy and Me: Is it All
About Me?”. The Camp will be held at Kindilan
Outdoor Education and Conference Centre in
Redland Bay.
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EVENTS
End slavery in your school and community
The Slavery-Free Easter Chocolate Campaign, a coalition of social justice
groups, is asking people to buy only chocolate that carries a label (FAIRTRADE,
Rainforest Alliance and UTZ certified) showing that the cocoa beans used in the
chocolate’s production has been sourced ethically, from farmers who engage in
good labour practices.
The International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) estimates that there are about 1.5
million children working in the cocoa sector in West Africa, many of whom have
been enslaved, or forced to work in exploitative conditions.
More information on the ACRATH website http://acrath.org.au/ and Facebook
page https://www.facebook.com/ACRATH
Census Night is on 9 August
In preparation for Census Night on 9
August, the Australian Bureau of
Statistics invites job seekers from
diverse backgrounds, including nonEnglish speaking backgrounds and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people to apply for census positions.
To date, ABS has received almost
10,000 applications for 2016 Census
Area Supervisors. They still need
more and applications have now been
extended in some areas.
To apply, go to https://goo.gl/13OgzB
The 2016 Census will be Australia’s
first Census where more than two
thirds of Australia’s population (more
than 15 million people) are expected
to complete the Census online in
August 2016.
For more information visit the
Australian Bureau website http://
www.abs.gov.au/ click on the ‘census’
tab.
Major dates 2016
17 January
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
21 March
United Nations’ International Day for
the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination
21 March
Harmony Day (in Australia)
20 June
United Nations’ World Refugee Day
19 June to 25 June – Refugee Week
Australia
22 to 28 August - National Migrant
and Refugee Week
28 August – National Migrant and
Refugee Day
Registrations for A Taste of Harmony
2016 are now open.
A Taste of Harmony is an opportunity
to celebrate cultural diversity in the
workplace. This year’s event runs
from 21 and 27 March and carries
the theme ‘Every Taste Tells A Story’.
It is a chance to share a dish that
links back to your own heritage and
tells the story of your family in
Australia.
Media Personality and Cookbook
Author Jane Kennedy and General
Manager, Local Business Banking
Tasmania and Victoria,
Commonwealth Bank of Australia,
Huss Mustafa. These Ambassadors,
will share their passion for celebrating
the joys of living in a multicultural
country as well as their own stories on
the value of diversity to Australia.
To register and for more inbformation,
go to www.tasteofharmony.org.au
This year’s ambassadors are Celebrity set a date and invite your workmates
Chef Guy Grossi, Author and Food
to come along with their favourite
Safari Presenter Maeve O’Meara,
cultural dish.
3 – 5 June 2016 Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend for married
couples at Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Ormiston QLD (on Brisbane’s
bayside)For bookings/details contact: Maria and David Murphy, ph (07)
3342 1456, [email protected] Information
website: www.wwme.org.au YouTube: https://youtu.be/5Hdl2ZDxZXc
-5-
28 August
Multicultural Mass
(Archdiocese of Brisbane)
18 December
International Migrant’s Day
MDA and La Boite Theatre present
The Village - Refugee Camp:
Ordinary people in extraordinary
situations
13 to 18 June 2016
The Village brings to life the journey of
people from refugee and asylum
seeking backgrounds. This interactive
public exhibit will showcase the
cultural diversity of Brisbane and
honour the courage, strength and
determination of the women, men and
children who have made this city their
new home. For more information
contact [email protected]
Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us.
The Response of the Gospel of Mercy”
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In the Bull of indiction of the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy I noted
that “at times we are called to gaze
even more attentively on mercy so
that we may become a more effective
sign of the Father’s action in our
lives” (Misericordiae Vultus, 3). God’s
love is meant to reach out to each
and every person. Those who
welcome the Father’s embrace, for
their part, become so many other
open arms and embraces, enabling
every person to feel loved like a child
and “at home” as part of the one
human family. God’s fatherly care
extends to everyone, like the care of a
shepherd for his flock, but it is
particularly concerned for the needs
of the sheep who are wounded, weary
or ill. Jesus told us that the Father
stoops to help those overcome by
physical or moral poverty; the more
serious their condition, the more
powerfully is his divine mercy
revealed.
In our time, migration is growing
worldwide. Refugees and people
fleeing from their homes challenge
individuals and communities, and
their traditional ways of life; at times
they upset the cultural and social
horizons which they encounter.
Increasingly, the victims of violence
and poverty, leaving their homelands,
are exploited by human traffickers
during their journey towards the
dream of a better future. If they
survive the abuses and hardships of
the journey, they then have to face
latent suspicions and fear. In the end,
they frequently encounter a lack of
clear and practical policies regulating
the acceptance of migrants and
providing for short or long term
programmes of integration respectful
of the rights and duties of all. Today,
more than in the past, the Gospel of
mercy troubles our consciences,
prevents us from taking the suffering
of others for granted, and points out
way of responding which, grounded in
the theological virtues of faith, hope
and charity, find practical expression
in works of spiritual and corporal
mercy.
In the light of these facts, I have
chosen as the theme of the 2016
World Day of Migrants and Refugees:
Migrants and Refugees Challenge Us.
The Response of the Gospel of Mercy.
Migration movements are now a
structural reality, and our primary
issue must be to deal with the present
emergency phase by providing
programmes which address the
causes of migration and the changes
it entails, including its effect on the
makeup of societies and peoples. The
tragic stories of millions of men and
women daily confront the
international community as a result of
the outbreak of unacceptable
humanitarian crises in different parts
of the world. Indifference and silence
lead to complicity whenever we stand
by as people are dying of suffocation,
starvation, violence and shipwreck.
Whether large or small in scale, these
are always tragedies, even when a
single human life is lost.
Migrants are our brothers and sisters
in search of a better life, far away
from poverty, hunger, exploitation and
the unjust distribution of the planet’s
resources which are meant to be
equitably shared by all. Don’t we all
want a better, more decent and
prosperous life to share with our loved
ones?
At this moment in human history,
marked by great movements of
migration, identity is not a secondary
issue. Those who migrate are forced
to change some of their most
distinctive characteristics and,
whether they like or not, even those
who welcome them are also forced to
change. How can we experience these
changes not as obstacles to genuine
development, rather as opportunities
for genuine human, social and
spiritual growth, a growth which
respects and promotes those values
which make us ever more humane
and help us to live a balanced
relationship with God, others and
creation?
The presence of migrants and
refugees seriously challenges the
various societies which accept them.
-6-
Those societies are faced with new
situations which could create serious
hardship unless they are suitably
motivated, managed and regulated.
How can we ensure that integration
will become mutual enrichment, open
up positive perspectives to
communities, and prevent the danger
of discrimination, racism, extreme
nationalism or xenophobia?
Biblical revelation urges us to
welcome the stranger; it tells us that
in so doing, we open our doors to God,
and that in the faces of others we see
the face of Christ himself. Many
institutions, associations, movements
and groups, diocesan, national and
international organizations are
experiencing the wonder and joy of
the feast of encounter, sharing and
solidarity. They have heard the voice
of Jesus Christ: “Behold, I stand at the
door and knock” (Rev 3:20). Yet there
continue to be debates about the
conditions and limits to be set for the
reception of migrants, not only on the
level of national policies, but also in
some parish communities whose
traditional tranquillity seems to be
threatened.
Faced with these issues, how can the
Church fail to be inspired by the
example and words of Jesus Christ?
The answer of the Gospel is mercy.
In the first place, mercy is a gift of
God the Father who is revealed in the
Son. God’s mercy gives rise to joyful
gratitude for the hope which opens up
before us in the mystery of our
redemption by Christ’s blood. Mercy
nourishes and strengthens solidarity
towards others as a necessary
response to God’s gracious love,
“which has been poured into our
hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom
5:5). Each of us is responsible for his
or her neighbour: we are our brothers’
and sisters’ keepers, wherever they
live. Concern for fostering good
relationships with others and the
ability to overcome prejudice and fear
are essential ingredients for
promoting the culture of encounter, in
which we are not only prepared to
give, but also to receive from others.
“In our time, migration is growing worldwide.
Refugees and people fleeing from their
homes challenge individuals and
communities, and their traditional ways of life;
at times they upset the cultural and social
horizons which they encounter. Increasingly, the
victims of violence and poverty, leaving their
homelands, are exploited by human traffickers during
their journey towards the dream of a better future. If they
survive the abuses and hardships of the journey, they then have to face latent suspicions and fear.
In the end, they frequently encounter a lack of clear and practical policies regulating the
acceptance of migrants and providing for short or long term programmes of integration respectful
of the rights and duties of all. Today, more than in the past, the Gospel of mercy troubles our
consciences, prevents us from taking the suffering of others for granted, and points out way of
responding which, grounded in the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity, find practical
expression in works of spiritual and corporal mercy.
Hospitality, in fact, grows from both
giving and receiving.
From this perspective, it is important
to view migrants not only on the basis
of their status as regular or irregular,
but above all as people whose dignity
is to be protected and who are
capable of contributing to progress
and the general welfare. This is
especially the case when they
responsibly assume their obligations
towards those who receive them,
gratefully respecting the material and
spiritual heritage of the host country,
obeying its laws and helping with its
eeds. Migrations cannot be reduced
merely to their political and legislative
aspects, their economic implications
and the concrete coexistence of
various cultures in one territory. All
these complement the defence and
promotion of the human person, the
culture of encounter, and the unity of
peoples, where the Gospel of mercy
inspires and encourages ways of
renewing and transforming the whole
of humanity.
The Church stands at the side of all
who work to defend each person’s
right to live with dignity, first and
foremost by exercising the right not to
emigrate and to contribute to the
development of one’s country of
origin. This process should include,
from the outset, the need to assist the
countries which migrants and
refugees leave. This will demonstrate
that solidarity, cooperation,
international interdependence and
the equitable distribution of the
earth’s goods are essential for more
decisive efforts, especially in areas
where migration movements begin, to
eliminate those imbalances which
lead people, individually or
collectively, to abandon their own
natural and cultural environment. In
any case, it is necessary to avert, if
possible at the earliest stages, the
flight of refugees and departures as a
result of poverty, violence and
persecution.
Public opinion also needs to be
correctly formed, not least to prevent
unwarranted fears and speculations
detrimental to migrants.
No one can claim to be indifferent in
the face of new forms of slavery
imposed by criminal organizations
which buy and sell men, women and
children as forced labourers in
construction, agriculture, fishing or in
other markets. How many minors are
still forced to fight in militias as child
soldiers! How many people are victims
of organ trafficking, forced begging
-7-
and sexual exploitation! Today’s
refugees are fleeing from these
aberrant crimes, and they appeal to
the Church and the human community
to ensure that, in the outstretched
hand of those who receive them, they
can see the face of the Lord, “the
Father of mercies and God of all
consolation” (2 Cor 1:3).
Dear brothers and sisters, migrants
and refugees! At the heart of the
Gospel of mercy the encounter and
acceptance by others are intertwined
with the encounter and acceptance of
God himself. Welcoming others
means welcoming God in person! Do
not let yourselves be robbed of the
hope and joy of life born of your
experience of God’s mercy, as
manifested in the people you meet on
your journey! I entrust you to the Virgin
Mary, Mother of migrants and
refugees, and to Saint Joseph, who
experienced the bitterness of
emigration to Egypt. To their
intercession I also commend those
who invest so much energy, time and
resources to the pastoral and social
care of migrants. To all I cordially
impart my Apostolic Blessing.
Message of Pope Francis for the
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
[January 17, 2016]
Centre for Multicultural Pastoral Care
GPO Box 282, Brisbane QLD 4001
Finding the good in
In the last two years, I have had the
opportunity to be introduced to a number
of academic essays and personal reflections
on migration theology. I find this area
quite fascinating as it seems to explain my
otherwise scrambled migrant thoughts on
origin, identity and purpose.
After the unsettledness of movement and
exile, some migrants experience a subtle
shock in the reality of settlement: I am now
on the other side where the grass is greener.
What now, and where do I go from here?
The Hebrew word šālôm comes from the
root šlm ‫ שלם‬used in many Semitic words
in the ancient period. The book Mio Padre
Era Un Arrameo Errante written by
theologian Fr Gabriele Bentoglio cs,
explores the various connotations of šālôm
in the Old Testament. The word was often
used in that period to denote concepts of
peace, friendship, success, good fortune,
wealth, good health, the presence of
satisfaction, or the possession of something
that is enough.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (seeking šālôm on a foreign
land) depicts a theology of exile where the
migrant is encouraged to see the blessings
that can be found in the new homeland,
instead of dwelling on loss and negativity.
For the Christian migrant who once had a
choice but now has none, one who
struggles to come to terms with having to
live indefinitely and eventually die in a
strange foreign land for the sake of
continuity and survival, Jeremiah 29:7
offers wisdom, consolation and hope:
(Continued from page 1)
Pionius Hendi OFMCap. The Chaplains
presented a review of their communities
noting the pastoral challenges they
meet and the types of
support they need to
effectively provide pastoral
care. Those who were
unable to be at the meeting
shared their thoughts on
paper.
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Newsletter. Go to http://www.multiculturalcare.org.au and click
on the ‘newsletter’ tab
exile
“Also seek the peace and
prosperity of the city to
which I have carried you
into exile. Pray to the Lord
for it, because if it prospers,
you too will prosper.”
- Jeremiah 29:7
“Also seek the peace and prosperity of the city to
which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the
Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will
prosper.”
In the book Mio Padre…, Fr Bentoglio
emphasised the importance of
understanding the word šālôm in its true
content as it is open to misinterpretation.
Jeremiah 6:13-14 illustrates how false
prophets in the OT have wrongly
prophesied about the word: ‘For from the
least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy
for unjust gain; and from prophet to priest,
everyone deals falsely. They have treated the
wound of my people carelessly, saying, "Peace,
peace," when there is no peace.’
At the risk of misinterpreting the word, I
would say that not all that looks
prosperous indicate šālôm, for its existence
may mean hidden oppression and
injustice. Šālôm in the modern world may
Brenda Hubber (Melbourne), Alison Burt
(ACBC), Sr Nien Tran (Adelaide), Sr Kylie
Cullen (Sydney), Leanne Strommen
(Perth), Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Fr
Maurizio Pettena cs (ACMRO, Canberra),
Pictured on right with
Brisbane’s Clyde Cosentino
(far left) are intestate guests
-8-
Afterthoughts…
mean prosperity, wealth. I would say there
is ‘pseudo šālôm’ in a system that promotes
the abundance of chocolates in developed
countries while children in developing
countries work in slave-like conditions to
harvest the cocoa ingredient of these
chocolates.
There is pseudo šālôm in the world of
human trafficking in all its hideous forms,
masked by a prosperity that is manipulated
by the hidden powerful few. The migrant
ends up wanting this prosperity so bad that
the migrant joins in and becomes part of
the injustice. The responsibility rests on
the migrant, guided by faith and action, to
be discerning in seeking the authentic
šālôm of the foreign land – that, and only
that which is good and which leads to
authentic goodness.
The Christian migrant who longs for a lost
homeland may find Jeremiah 29:10-13
quite comforting: “For surely I know the
plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for
your welfare and not for harm, to give you a
future with hope. Then when you call upon me
and come and pray to me, I will hear you.
When you search for me, you will find me; if
you seek me with all your heart.”
As Christians, our identity spells
purposeful itinerance – a journeying with
God towards our final home that is in
God’s wholeness. Even in exile, even in a
strange land, God’s comforting love is
never lost but is continuously revealed
through nurturing relationships. As we reestablish roots, we find the good in exile.
- Percy Pamo Lawrence (CMPC Staff)
Fr Ciril Bozic ofm (Melbourne), Fr Isidore
Anantharaj (Sydney), George Nulley and
Louise Barcelona (ACMRO Staff, Canberra)
and Fr Ignacio (Brisbane).