Fr Pat Colgan reports on an event organised by Cultúr Migrant Centre, a group which the Columbans have been supporting for many years, for World Refugee Day.
“Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is..” (António Guterres, UN Secretary-General)
Each year on 20 June, the world honours the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution on UN World Refugee Day. In Navan, the keynote event was organised by Cultúr Migrant Centre.
This year’s theme: ‘Solidarity with Refugees’ reminds us that refugees seek not charity, but opportunity. A chance to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and live with dignity.
We heard from Brian Horan, Senior Executive Officer with Meath County Council and Inspector Alan Roughneen of the Gardaí, who reminded us that welcoming refugees strengthens societies, fosters innovation, and builds communities where everyone belongs. Through collective action, we affirm that refugees are not forgotten, not alone, and not without hope.
Photo: ColumbanMissionImages
The launch of a new Community Safety Tool Kit and the graduation of about 20 Community Safety officers are signs of hope that migrants/refugees are already taking initiatives in integrating their communities into Irish society in ways that are respectful and empowering for all of us.
Apart from the testimony of migrants themselves, and the joy and tears elicited at hearing a number of Ukrainian songs performed, one of the most moving speeches was that of the Honorary Consul of the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) to Ireland, Dr Daithí Ó Murchú, who spends much of his time as a retired primary school teacher building schools and attracting enterprise and investment to West Africa. With his permission, I quote his words:
“Dear friends,
Dear brothers and sisters,
Dear survivors, dreamers, builders of tomorrow —
Today, we stand together.
Today is World Refugee Day. A day not only of remembering the pain, the fear, and the long journey — but a day of honouring your strength.
Each of you here has a story. A story of courage.
You have left your home not because you wanted to, but because you had to survive.
You left behind family, friends, the land you knew.
You travelled far, through fear, danger, and pain — but also with hope in your heart.
And now… you are here.
In Ireland. In safety. In peace.
Your story is not a tragedy.
Your story is a testimony of strength.
You Are Not Alone
I am here today not as a politician, not as a man in a suit,
but as a fellow human being, a fellow African citizen, a brother.
I am here with you and for you.
With the Cultúr Centre in Navan, we are building programmes, training, language support, and job pathways so that you can stand tall, earn with dignity, and feel proud.
We wish to enable you to become Irish citizens — not just in paperwork, but in heart, in community, in contribution.
You Are Not a Burden — You Are a Blessing
Never let anyone tell you that you are a problem.
You are not a problem — you are a possibility.
You are not a statistic — you are a solution.
Ireland needs your skills.
Ireland needs your ideas.
Ireland needs your strength.
Ireland needs your love.
In every kitchen, in every hospital, on every farm, in every school — there is space for you to shine.
We do not want charity. We want opportunity. And that is what we are fighting for — together.
Courage and Focus for the Future
Photo: ColumbanMissionImages
Let me tell you this — you are already brave.
Now, we walk the road to the future with:
· Courage – to learn a new language.
· Empathy – to support one another as a family.
· Strength – to keep going when life is hard.
· Focus – to dream, to plan, to work.
· Hope – to know that tomorrow will be better.
You may have no passport.
But you have purpose.
You may have no title.
But you have truth.
You belong here.
You are wanted here.
You have a place in Irish society.
Today is not the end. It is the beginning.
Together, we will build bridges — not walls.
We will create jobs, not pity.
We will grow families, and communities, not fear.
So stand proud.
Speak your name.
Step forward.
And never forget — You are not alone.
Welcome to Ireland —
Not as guests, but as future citizens.
We believe in you.
I believe in you.
And Ireland will be better — because of you.”