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The Sydney Home
| ‘Think, live peace ...’
Sudanese refugee children wear the Peace for Life armbands outside Our Lady Queen of Peace Church at Greystanes By Chris Lindsay Sudanese refugees who fled misery, rape and murder in their homeland celebrated World Mission Day Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Greystanes by wearing armbands, provided by Catholic Mission. The theme for this year’s World Mission Day was Peace for Life and the Sudanese people wore the armbands on their heads, as they believe that “we must think peace so we can live peacefully”. Many of the 150 refugees have lost family members because of the civil war in their home country. The refugees have told stories of women being raped and tortured after watching their husbands being dragged away, never to be seen again. Teenagers saw their homes burned down, their parents and family members shot. But somehow they survived. Josephite Sr Helen Sullivan, who is associated with Josephite Community Aid, says: “They came together to celebrate their newfound peace and freedom in Australia, and pray for those left behind in Sudan, and all places of conflict around the world.” One 18-year-old girl who lost all her family said: “God cared for me through those terrible times back in my own country. Now that I am free and safe I must not forget him.” Catholic Mission supports projects in more than 160 countries, including Sudan. Last year Catholic Mission donated US$237,000 to projects in Sudan, which included building schools, and providing education, food, clothing and medical expenses for displaced children. Donation to Catholic Mission can be made by calling 1800 257 296 or by visiting www.catholicmission.org.au
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