In October 2024, a remarkable and transformative residential experience brought together ten headteachers from Catholic Primary Partnership and ten asylum seekers for a ‘Festival of Encounter.’
This event, held in the serene setting of Llandudno in Wales, was made possible through collaborative efforts between the Partnership and Stories of Hope and Home – a Birmingham-based charity that creates safe space for people seeking sanctuary to explore their experiences and opportunities for sharing with others – and the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team. The collaboration between the three exemplifies how partnerships can create profound opportunities for growth and transformation. The three-day residential created a unique and deeply spiritual space for Catholic educators to respond to Pope Francis’ call to challenge indifference and act in solidarity with those forced to flee their homes.
Pope Francis has consistently championed the responsibility of Catholic communities to extend compassion and act in solidarity with people in crisis. His exhortation to “welcome the stranger” resonates powerfully in today’s world, where forced displacement and migration have become global challenges. In line with this mission, the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales provided additional inspiration through their publication, Love of the Stranger. These teachings remind Catholic educators of their vital role in fostering an environment of inclusion, understanding, and active care for the marginalised.
Yet, many leaders in Catholic education find it challenging to carve out the time, space, and resources to engage meaningfully with these pressing issues. The residential experience in Llandudno was a response to this need. It provided headteachers with a sacred space for prayer, reflection, and learning, all firmly rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. The programme aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enabling participants to witness the Gospel in action.
At the heart of the residential was the concept of encounter. Pope Francis emphasises that encounter involves not just meeting but truly seeing the humanity in others; the God in me sees the God in you – an openness to listening, learning, and building relationships. For the headteachers, this principle was embodied through their interactions with asylum seekers, who courageously shared their individual stories of hardship, resilience, and hope. These stories were shared in a spirit of mutual vulnerability, breaking preconceptions, and fostering trust and empathy.
One of the most significant outcomes was the profound transformation among the headteachers. Many entered the programme with nerves and uncertainty but left with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live the call to ‘welcome the stranger’. Through prayer and reflection, the participants connected their faith with the lived realities of migration and displacement. The experience deepened their understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and its relevance in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly in the context of education.
Also highlighted was the potential of Catholic schools to be places of encounter and transformation. By witnessing the courage and resilience of asylum seekers, headteachers were inspired to bring these lessons back to their school communities. Several participants have since invited the Stories of Hope and Home group into their schools to work directly with pupils and teachers. These visits have provided staff and pupils with valuable insights into the experiences of asylum seekers, fostering empathy, awareness, and a sense of global responsibility among young learners.
The residential’s success has led to a strong desire among the headteachers to make this opportunity available to more Catholic school leaders. They have advocated for the programme to continue in 2025. Efforts are underway to secure funding and sponsorship to ensure more educators can participate in this transformative experience. The call for support reflects the shared commitment to extending the programme’s reach and deepening its impact.
This residential serves as a powerful reminder of the Church’s mission to address the needs of society’s most vulnerable. It also reinforces the importance of Catholic education in forming leaders who are not only academically and professionally skilled but also deeply committed to living the Gospel. As Catholic educators, the call to ‘welcome the stranger’ is not an abstract ideal but a concrete challenge to live our faith through action.
The experience in Llandudno was not only a festival of encounter but also a festival of hope. It illuminated the capacity for human connection to break down barriers and foster solidarity. Headteachers were reminded that faith in action has the power to transform lives – not only the lives of those seeking refuge but also those who welcome them.
As we look to the future, the Catholic Primary Partnership, the Columbans, and Stories of Hope and Home remain committed to expanding this initiative. By providing opportunities for more Catholic educators to engage in meaningful experiences, they aim to continue responding to Pope Francis’ call with courage, compassion, and faith.
We warmly welcome sponsorship from those inspired to support this initiative. Together, we can ensure that the mission to welcome the stranger continues to flourish, inspiring future generations to act with compassion and courage in building a more just and loving world.
