This Saturday, June 20, is World Refugee Day. Caritas has prepared resources for prayer on this day on behalf of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. The theme for this year is ‘Where is your brother or sister?’ based around Pope Francis’ challenge not to look the other way in matters regarding refugees and migrants and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Take some time this Saturday to pray with your family for those in need.

Lord God,
Master of the Vineyard,
Help us listen to the struggles of those who work hard to provide for their families but still have trouble making ends meet.
Open our eyes to the struggles of those exploited and help us speak for just wages and safe conditions, the freedom to organise, and time for renewal.
For work was made for humankind and not humankind for work.
Let it not be a vehicle for exploitation, but a radiant expression of our human dignity.
Give all who labour listening hearts, that we may pause from our work to receive
your gift of rest.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that you might work through us to let your justice reign.
Amen

Adapted from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops