On the same day Pope Francis launched “Share the Journey,” a two-year global initiative to encounter migrants and refugees in the community, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia hosted a welcome luncheon Sept. 27 for new arrivals at the CSS Chester Family Service Center in Chester, Delaware County.
Earlier this year, CSS reopened its Refugee Resettlement Program and welcomed 33 individuals and families from Afghanistan, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Sudan and Ukraine via referrals from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The program offers individuals and families the basics of food, shelter and clothing, and helps refugees find a permanent home, employment, education and access to medical and social services.
“Share the Journey” aims to dispel fear and inspire communities to build relationships with those forced to leave their native lands due to violence, oppression, famine and other hardships. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Amy Stoner, director of Community Based Services for Catholic Social Services, speaks to the invited guests at the “Share the Journey” event, part of an initiative by Pope Francis to welcome and encounter migrants and refugees among us.
Father Anthony Orth, who volunteers regularly at the Chester Family Service Center, speaks to the group during the “Share the Journey” luncheon.
Samuel Abu, director of the Refugee Resettlement Program for CSS, speaks to the guests at the Chester Family Service Center on Sept. 27.
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