With Pope Francis, we pray that… ‘refugees, forced by violence to abandon their homes, may find a generous welcome and the protection of their rights”.
There are currently 89.3 million people in the world who have been forcibly displaced – with over a 28,000 crossing the Channel in 2021.
The UK has no integration policy. A young, single person seeking asylum is given £19 per week to live on. They cannot work or access education. In legal terms, a person who has asked for asylum in the UK and is waiting for a decision on that claim is called an asylum seeker. Someone who has received a positive decision on his or her asylum claim is called a refugee. It is down to charitable organisations such as Asylum Link Merseyside to offer support and practical help to those who find themselves in need of asylum.
ALM is housed in a former Brothers’ house in Overbury Street, Liverpool. The brothers, our schools and office team have a long history of supporting Asylum Link Merseyside.
Visit their website to find out more, to contact Asylum Link or to donate.
Find out more about Asylum Seekers & Refugees in the UK by viewing this factsheet
View our Tastes of home recipe book
O God, we thank you for the life of Edmund Rice.
He opened his heart to Christ present in those oppressed by poverty and injustice.
May we follow his example of faith and generosity.
Grant us the courage and compassion of Edmund as we seek to live lives of love and service.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.