Two weeks ago, I joined Columban Justice Peace and Ecology Co-ordinator James Trewby and Faith in Action Volunteer Becca Long at the monthly Home Office Vigil in London. Held during Refugee Week, the gathering felt especially poignant as we stood in solidarity with migrants and refugees and remembered those who have lost their lives seeking safety in Europe.
For the Columban Missionaries, accompanying migrants and refugees is a key priority of our missionary work. Around the world, we walk alongside people who have been displaced and advocate for justice. In Britain, education is an important part of this ministry. Through workshops, assemblies, retreats and school visits, we encourage educators and young people to explore these issues and discern how they can respond in faith and action.
The day began at FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice, near Euston Station, where we were warmly welcomed by the centre’s Director, MaryAnne Francalanza fcJ. MaryAnne is a sister, Faithful Companion of Jesus from Malta and has worked for many years in secondary education and young adult spirituality. MaryAnne is a member of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team in Britain and she and James co-led the day’s Home Office Prayer Vigil programme.
Students and staff from Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School in Coventry, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Birmingham and Holy Trinity School in Telford joined us. Maria Fideles Catholic School FCJ in Camden, North West London, Gumley House Convent School FCJ in Hounslow, West London and Million Minutes also brought delegates. All of the students brought curiosity and a real desire to understand the experiences of people seeking sanctuary.
Together, we explored why we had gathered, reflecting on this year’s Refugee Week theme of ‘Courage’ and the courage shown by those who are forced to leave their homes, as well as those who choose to accompany them. We discussed migration through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel call to ‘welcome the stranger’.
A particularly moving part of the morning was a conversation facilitated by James with Angel, who shared her own experience of the British asylum system. She spoke honestly about the challenges faced by people seeking protection, the importance of safe routes, and the impact of negative labels placed on asylum seekers.
“You have power in your voice. Although you are one person, you can bring about change.” She told the young people gathered. “Taking small steps and using your voice for the right reasons is important. Don’t doubt your own voice – it can be very powerful. Stay passionate and stay resilient.”
Her words were a reminder that listening and learning are themselves acts of solidarity.
After a short liturgy, we travelled together to the Home Office in Westminster, where we joined the regular vigil community and people of faith from across London. The vigil opened with prayer, hymns and a reminder that Jesus himself was a refugee, calling us to welcome others as we would welcome him.
We heard the names of people who have died seeking sanctuary in Europe throughout the month of June 2025. These names were taken from the records compiled by United for Intercultural Action, however we also remembered the many whose deaths remain unknown and unrecorded. As each name was read aloud, individuals were invited to lay a fresh flower on a large map of the world where we were gathered, symbolising the life and journey of each person remembered. The flowers slowly covered the map, creating a powerful visual reminder that every person and every life is honoured and valued.
A reading from Matthew’s Gospel (14:23–33), where Peter steps out onto the water towards Jesus, offered a moment of reflection. When Peter became afraid and began to sink, Jesus reached out his hand and rescued him. The passage invited us to consider how, in moments of fear and uncertainty, we are called to extend a hand of compassion and support to others.
Bishop Paul McAleenan reflected on the importance of the witness, reminding us: “Statistics alone fail to capture the wider complex stories of those who migrate and undertake dangerous journeys.” He continued: “Every migrant has a face, a name and a story.”
His words echoed the message frequently championed by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo XIV, that migrants and refugees are not problems to be solved, but people to be encountered, and welcomed with dignity. As Christians, we are called to recognise Christ in the stranger and to work for a world where those fleeing danger can find safety and hope.
What encouraged me most was the courage shown by the young people throughout the day. During the final litanies, many confidently offered their own intentions for refugees and their families, a daunting task for a young person with such a large audience! Following the prayers, we spent time speaking with members of the vigil group, hearing why they continue to gather each month and how prayer and action are connected. These conversations highlighted the quiet commitment of people who return month after month to ensure that the lives of those who have died seeking sanctuary are not forgotten.
After a quick stop in Parliament Square for a group photograph, we made our way back to the FCJ House where the young people reflected on their experiences through discussion, journalling and creative reflection. They considered what they had learned, how they might share it with their schools, parishes, families and friends, and what action they could take next.
The day was peaceful, prayerful and deeply moving for me. As I listened to the names being read aloud, I was reminded that behind every statistic is a human life. I left feeling hopeful and inspired by the young people I’d met who were a powerful reminder that change is possible. Their willingness to listen, to learn, to speak out for justice and challenge policy embodied the courage we have seen celebrated throughout Refugee Week 2026.