Melbourne News

Welcoming the Stranger

Friday 31 August 2012

IN a fitting tribute to Bishop Joseph Grech, the second annual memorial colloquium on migration was held last night at Australian Catholic University in Fitzroy.

The event which is a partnership between ACU and the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office is held to honour the memory of Bishop Joseph Grech who passed away in December 2010.

Read Archbishop Denis Hart's Address
Read Minister Chris Bowen's address or download PDF

A staunch defender of the rights of migrants and refugees, Bishop Joe always emphasised the importance of dialogue between all people of good will on such issues as the right to seek asylum.

The speakers for the evening were immigration Minister Chris Bowen and Archbishop Denis Hart, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Melbourne.

Facilitated by SBS radio presenter Santilla Chingaipe, the evening featured an unaccompanied minor from Pakistan sharing his story of coming to Australia, and keynote addresses by the Minister and the Archbishop.