I want to thank the parish for its tremendous response and outreach to our Afghan refugee sisters and brothers. I have visited the facilities and the people – and while I am not allowed to give details because of security precautions, it is a huge effort. An effort that is the work of the US Marine Corp, federal agencies (DHS), and the US Catholic Conference of Bishops (USSCB) – the only Church related organization that is part of the on-site relief efforts.
We can all also be proud of the fact that our parish, because of the reputation of our outreach efforts for those on need, was identified by the Federal Government( Dept. of Homeland Security ) and the Bishops conference, as a key agency outside the Marine Corps base, helping to coordinate relief efforts. Our Francis House directors , Francia and Angelica have been doing a superb job in this endeavor.
On Tuesday, I will be escorting Bishop Burbidge, from our diocese, for an on-site visit to the camp. Bishop Burbidge is a member of the executive committee of the USCCB.
We will continue to respond to the emerging needs of our brothers and sisters at the camp. We have been asked to continue and concentrate our support on the needs of the children. We have recently updated the list of needs for the refugees – you can find the information here.
Again, thank you for your great response in Christian charity to our sisters and brothers in need. God bless.
Fr. John O’Connor OFM
Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Triangle VA
On Tuesday, November 9th, Fr. John and Bishop Burbidge visited the Afghan refugees at Camp Upshur, Marine Corp Base Quantico. Watch Fr. John’s report of the visit – images and video of the refugee were understandably not permitted as many have relatives living in Afghanistan.