Providing help and creating hope in Maine
“In a sea of human beings, it is difficult, at times even impossible, to see the human as being,” Aysha Taryam.
True to these words, millions of people across the globe are being rendered refugees and displaced persons at an unprecedented scale, as a result of protracted violent conflicts and climate change. The United Nations reports that nearly 66 million people were forcibly displaced from their homes last year — one person is now displaced every three seconds – refugees, internally displaced and asylum-seekers.
This year on World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20th, Catholic Charities Maine commemorates the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees. World Refugee Day marks a moment for the public to show support and welcoming for families forced to flee violence and persecution. Catholic Charities Maine is partnering with other stakeholders to celebrate World Refugee Day with events in Portland and Lewiston, following the end of Ramadan.
Lewiston’s celebration is on Thursday June 29th, 5-7:30 pm in Simard-Payne Memorial Park and Portland’s celebration is on Saturday July 8th, 4-8 pm at Cheverus High School. Both events will be celebrations of our vibrant refugee communities, including food, family activities, performances, and art.
Please join us in commemorating the resilience and courage of refugees in Maine and around the world.
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