Carrigaline Union of Parishes in the Diocese of Cork has recently begun the process to become a Church of Sanctuary (within the Places of Sanctuary movement).

On Sunday 20th June, World Refugee Day, the parish welcomed Fiona Finn, the CEO of NASC Migrant and Refugee Rights Centre in Cork to speak at the 11 am Service. (This Service was also live-streamed and may be viewed on the Parish YouTube Channel HERE

Fiona thanked the parish for their existing involvement with NASC over the last 2 years as part of the Community Sponsorship Initiative.

Together with their neighbouring Roman Catholic parishes of Our Lady and St John’s Carrigaline and The Harbour Parishes, Carrigaline Union of Parishes are sponsoring a refugee family to live in the locality. 

Fiona spoke about the latest stark figure of 82.5 million refugees worldwide (a rise from 79 million in 2019) and what we, as individuals can do to help in this seemingly hopeless situation. Everyday things like writing to our political leaders, especially now that Ireland has a seat on the UN Security Council, can make a difference.  T

The appointed Collect of the Word for 20th June, after Fiona had finished speaking, uncannily echoed her words

O God our defender, storms rage around us and cause us to be afraid; rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear….