Reflecting on Migrants and Migration at the Heart of the Lasallian Mission
As the 18th edition of the International Lasallian Days for Peace (ILDP) drew to a close, we were reminded of the profound realities faced by migrants, as highlighted in our collaboration with the NGO, Asylum Speakers. This partnership allowed us to hear directly from those whose voices are often lost in the chaotic and painful journey of migration. Inspired by this year’s theme, One La Salle, Our Pilgrimage towards Peace, the final District event of this year’s ILDP gave space to the stories of those living at the peripheries, displaced and searching for hope amidst adversity.
The online reflection on 21 October 2024 invited Brothers, educators, and students to reflect on the concept of peripheries, encouraging a deeper understanding that extends beyond geographical boundaries. The peripheries, as described in Lasallian Reflection No. 10 “Our Hearts are in the Peripheries,” include the violence of war, human trafficking, and the harsh economic inequalities that force individuals to flee their homes. These peripheries exist not only at the borders of nations but within our cities, where children, adolescents, and young people live in invisibility, their suffering overlooked as a painful normality.
Our collaboration with Asylum Speakers was a poignant reminder of the role migration plays in the modern world. Migrants, fleeing violence, economic hardship, or political unrest, are often stripped of their rights, identity, and dignity. Many, as noted in the reflection, are deceived with false promises, used as commodities, and subjected to the inhumanity of trafficking. They risk their lives for a sliver of hope, often facing perilous journeys in small boats or cargo trucks. We hope that each ministry will make good use of their copies of Bobble, a publication by Asylum Speakers and an excellent tool for exploring this important topic.
The Lasallian community recognises the need to stand in solidarity with these individuals. Through this year’s ILDP, we have not only reflected on peace but also on how we, as a global network, can be a beacon of hope for those who live at the margins. Our collaboration with Asylum Speakers has opened up critical conversations, especially in giving migrants a voice, helping them share their stories, and advocating for systemic change that promotes dignity and respect for all.
The closing event of ILDP 2024 has given us more than just an opportunity to hear the stories of migrants; it has inspired us to continue our work in promoting social justice, especially through education. It calls us to remember that peace is not simply the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. Our responsibility as Lasallians is to ensure that those in the peripheries are seen, heard, and supported.
Let this ILDP be a catalyst for ongoing efforts to support those who continue to live in the shadows of society, bringing them into the light through solidarity, advocacy, and the Lasallian mission of education for all. We express our sincere gratitude to the Institute’s Commission on Youth and our District Young Lasallian Council for their initiative and creativity in launching this global endeavour within the Lasallian Family.
Joseph Gilson and Jo Millea
