A NEW outreach run by the Capuchin Friars has become a place of welcome for asylum seekers and refugees settling into their new home in Brisbane.
To support the new outreach, the “welcome was extended a little further” as the Capuchin Friars and a team of young volunteers hosted a benefit to support the friars’ outreach work.
The new young adults event Welcome attracted 150 young people to a night of music and dance on May 10. The night also connected the participants of the ministry of “St Francis’ Place” with a diverse range of young people from across Brisbane archdiocese.
The night was an opportunity to raise awareness through short videos of the need to support asylum seekers in any way we can.
Brisbane City Gospel Choir, local singer and songwriter Joey Hizon and emerging Catholic artists Beatrice Piat and Daniel O’Dell shared a mixture of musical talents throughout the night. A group of Tamil asylum seekers also performed.
Since March, the friars have offered English classes, meals and recreational activities to support asylum seekers and refugees.
They hope to expand their ministry in the future and continue planning Welcome events.
Any young musicians who would be interested in performing or those interested in volunteering at St Francis’ Place should email capuchinfriars@gmail.com.
