Sunday 26 September marks both the Catholic World Day of Migrants and Refugees and the Muslim Global Ismaili CIVIC Day.
The Lourdes Young Adults Group, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish Seven Hills have teamed up with the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslim CIVIC (Young Adults) Seven Hills Community for a unique Hamper Drive to give to families who utilise the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) in Parramatta.
This is a gesture of solidarity between the two neighbouring faith communities to celebrate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees and the inaugural Global Ismaili CIVIC Day.
The two groups invite youth and young adults to participate in a Zoom event where all participants will share a meal together virtually and learn about the commonalities between the two faiths and hear stories from both communities.
When: Friday 24 September, 7:30-9:00pm
Where: Please register here to receive a Zoom link: https://bit.ly/olol7hills-ismaili
To donate for the Hamper Drive: Find details at https://www.facebook.com/events/142160068118070
The organisers explain: “Because of COVID-19 we cannot meet physically together to pack the hampers but we ask that you donate to the Hamper Drive via a unique Direct-to-boot via Woolworths Glenwood or delivery to one of our community leaders who will distribute the items to the CMRC on your behalf on Sunday, 26th of September 2021.”
They hope that this initiative will provide a bridge for both young faith communities to connect better, break down barriers and build more understanding, giving life to Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti, especially as neighbours within Seven Hills.
This article is part of the “Diocesan Journey… Walking with Refugees and People Seeking Protection” series. Click here to learn more about this initiative and to follow our 14-weeks campaign from Refugee Week to World Day of Migrants and Refugees.
Sebastian Salaske-Lentern is the Peace, Justice and Ecology Coordinator of the Diocese of Parramatta.