Led by Fr Ismael Jose Chan-Gonzaga SJ, the service brought together people from many walks of life to reflect on the harsh realities faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, to give thanks for the generosity that has sustained JRS UK’s work throughout the year, and invite practical support this winter through their Advent Appeal, providing food, clothing, and toiletries to refugee families.
Among those attending was Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, who paid tribute to JRS UK’s long-standing commitment to refugees and asylum seekers, particularly at a time when statutory support has been reduced:
“For many, many years, they’ve been there for decades accompanying people who come to this country with nothing, from the most terrible backgrounds, with the most terrible stories.
“Over the last ten years there’s been less and less money in the services to support refugees and asylum seekers, but JRS is unfailing in its commitment and support — so it has my commitment and support.”
At the heart of the Advent service were the voices of refugees themselves, who played a central role through readings, music and theatre they had helped to create.
Haris, a refugee involved in the service, spoke of the importance of celebrating Advent in community:
“This is an Advent service today, so we are trying to celebrate Christmas all together, with all our refugee friends.
“By coming together, this is a very good platform where we actually try to share, where we start building in confidence… instead of just living in a society, we start to contribute. We start being valued. We start feeling our words really matter.”
Others echoed this sense of transformation through community and accompaniment. Abuki, who has been supported by JRS UK, spoke simply of the impact it has had on his life:
“I’ve just come from a different country and I’ve been alone a long time. When I found the JRS and then I get these people, I feel positive. My life is changed — now it’s being with people and finally excited.”
For Sarah, another refugee friend being supported by JRS UK, the service reflected something deeply personal:
“It’s really important to me because I feel like I belong somewhere and feel like I’m welcomed. Having a group like this, it looks like you have a family.”
Supporting the Advent Appeal
JRS UK invites you to support families this Christmas who need food, clothes, and toiletries, which they cannot buy themselves. You can read about what this support means to our refugee friends and support the appeal here: https://www.jrsuk.net/christmas/
