On 15 June, Fr. Camillo Ripamonti launched an event organized by Centro Astalli at the Gregorian University for Refugee Day 2023. He spoke about a recent shipwreck near Greece that claimed the lives of hundreds of people, emphasizing the sacrifice of innocent victims in defense of borders. The issue of refugees and their rights was a major focus of the meeting titled "Refugees: The future of their rights at stake." 

Journalist Marco Damilano expressed concern about Europe's failure to fulfill its mission of being a place of freedom, democracy, and aid for those in distress. The event featured speeches from individuals like Yenmery Coronado, a Venezuelan teacher who shared her harrowing escape from a country where dissent is violently repressed. Sakineh Hosseini, an Afghan political activist, spoke about the risks she faced due to her political commitment and expressed her desire to return to Afghanistan and bring hope to a land without peace. 

Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça recalled Pope Francis' message of giving voice to the forgotten stories and invisible persons affected by indifference. The importance of hospitality and cultural citizenship was emphasized as an alternative to hostile insensitivity. Writer Paolo Rumiz reminded everyone that we are all children of migrants and urged Europe to prioritize reception measures. Philosopher Roberta De Monticelli highlighted the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to become who they want to be, regardless of their background. 

The meeting concluded with a song performed by actress Evelina Meghnagi, dedicated to refugee women. The proceeds from the CD "Shahida – traces of freedom" would be donated to support them. 

Jesuits EUM

(Adapted by JCEP)