On Palm Sunday this year, April 2, a small contingent from Clonard attended the “Palm Sunday Rally for Refugees” in Swanston Street, Melbourne. Standing alongside other Kildare Ministry schools such as Killester, Kilbreda and Star of the Sea, the Clonard banner was proudly displayed in support of the approximately 12,000 asylum seekers denied full and unconditional visas to allow them their freedom and to remove the yoke of ongoing uncertainty under so-called “fast track” visas.
The crowd heard from speakers who outlined how these visas just continue the agony of uncertainty for these people. After listening to key speakers, the noisy and vocal march moved up Swanston Street, then up Bourke Street and into the grounds of Victorian Parliament.
This annual event raises awareness of the plight of refugees and asylum seekers and calls on our leaders for compassionate responses in their policy and decision making. Thank you to Michael McCallum for organising this for our community.
Further information can be found on the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project website Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project – Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP)
