Download PDF version of this page21/11/2008
Press release
Issued by the Catholic Communications Network
International Catholic leaders praise inner-city asylum work
On the second day of the international SECAM-CCEE conference on migration taking place in Liverpool, Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor at the church of St Anne’s – an inner-city parish which offers a place of sanctuary to new arrivals in the city and asylum seekers.
In his homily, the Cardinal spoke of the opportunity that migration can present to the Christian: “Only last week two Bishops from Zimbabwe joined our own Bishops meeting and during that, they expressed their thanks that the Church in this country has been so welcoming to those who have come from abroad. That made me proud and at the same time reminded me – and all of us – of the opportunity migration can present to the Christian – a true chance to welcome God in both friend and stranger.”
Referring to the welcome that St Anne’s extends to all, he said: “And so I am so pleased that your meeting is taking place in Liverpool and that Archbishop Patrick Kelly suggested that we celebrate the Eucharist together in this parish. It has become home to people from all over Africa, and in building this community the people here are gradually laying to rest the sad – and shameful - history of slavery associated with this city.”
Homily: Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor’s homily, St Anne’s, Liverpool (pdf)
Over 26 nations were represented on both sides of the sanctuary at the Mass. The Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops were invited to share in an international meal at the end of the evening.
Visit/return to our events page on the visir of the African and European bishops to Liverpool...
For further information and photos:
Peter Heneghan: Press Officer for the Archdiocese of Liverpool
t: 0151 522 1007
m: 07980 821 273
e: p.heneghan@rcaol.co.uk