Media Release
August 14, 2013

The Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (ACMRO) will celebrate Migrant and Refugee week (19-25 August) with a colloquium in honour of Bishop Joe Grech on 22 August, 2013 at Australian Catholic University’s Melbourne Campus (24 Brunswick St, Fitzroy) from 7-9pm. The theme is “Migration and Poverty: Exploring Ethical Solutions.”

Bishop Joe Grech was a tireless advocate for refugees and asylum seekers on behalf of the Bishops Commission for Pastoral Life (BCPL). He passed away suddenly in December 2010, and this is the third colloquium to be held in his memory.

Speaking at the colloquium will be Australia’s former Ambassador to the Holy See Tim Fischer; His Excellency Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia; and Bishop Gerard Hanna, Bishops’ Delegate for Migrants and Refugees.

Bishop Hanna spoke of the importance of continuing a dialogue and tradition in honour of Bishop Joe Grech, and emphasised its impact on policy-making.

“The Colloquium will take place just two weeks prior to the Federal Election, and it is our hope that all political parties will take the opportunity to listen carefully to what is said here, and to what the Church says about how we must protect the most vulnerable in our society”, he said.

“I would like to reflect on the dignity of the human person who sets out on a pilgrimage to another land and how this pilgrimage is marked by faith and hope. I am thinking of the thousands upon thousands of people who, for various reasons choose to come to Australia to fulfil their faith and hope. Much more, I am thinking of the most recent arrivals and those who more acutely live the phenomenon of forced migration and look for a place of welcome, peaceful living and dignified opportunities.”

The colloquium is a free event open to all interested members of the public. There will be some resources available for purchase on the night.