The Columban Missionaries in Britain are proud to support, and raise awareness of Refugee Week 2026, the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
As missionaries, we are called to encounter Christ in others, especially those on the margins of society. Accompanying migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum is one of our priorities, both in Britain and around the world. Refugee Week, which takes place annually, provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of refugees, listen to their stories and reflect on how we can build communities of welcome, compassion and hope.
This year’s theme of ‘Courage’ speaks powerfully to the experiences of many refugees and asylum seekers. It takes immense courage to leave behind one’s home and family in search of safety. Many have fled war, persecution, violence or poverty and face many uncertainties and challenges. Yet, despite these challenges, refugees continue to show remarkable resilience as they rebuild their lives and contribute to the communities that welcome them.
Courage is not only found in those forced to flee. It is also seen in the individuals, organisations and communities that choose to welcome those seeking sanctuary. It takes courage to open our hearts to people whose experiences may be very different from our own and to stand in solidarity, challenging misconceptions and prejudice.
For Columbans, this commitment to accompany migrants and refugees is rooted in our faith. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are repeatedly called to welcome the stranger. Jesus himself experienced displacement as a child when his family fled violence and sought refuge in Egypt. Today, we recognise Christ in those who are forced to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere.
In Britain, Columban Missionaries work alongside other organisations and charities to support migrants and refugees. Our Interreligious Dialogue Co-ordinator Mauricio Silva, together with Lay Missionary Nathalie Marytsch, manage the day to day running of Fatima House in Birmingham. Fatima House provides safe accommodation and support to vulnerable migrant women in need of protection. We are also proud to support St. Chad’s Sanctuary, a place of welcome for refugees and asylum seekers rebuilding their lives in the city.
Our commitment extends beyond Britain. On the US–Mexico border, Columbans accompany migrants on their journeys, offering pastoral support, humanitarian assistance and advocacy for those seeking safety. In Peru, Columban missionaries accompany migrants detained in prisons, offering pastoral care, friendship and spiritual support.
Reflecting on migrants and refugees, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that “the way a society treats migrants and refugees reveals whether its sense of justice is driven by fear or by the spirit of fraternity.” This year’s Refugee Week theme, Courage, challenges us to choose fraternity over fear and to recognise the dignity, gifts and aspirations of those seeking safety and a new beginning. We encourage everyone to learn more about the experiences of people seeking sanctuary and to take part in local Refugee Week events.
