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)