Compassion & Human Dignity
by Sister Sheena George, CSJP
I have been in Calais for about two weeks now. My time with Br. Johanna and his friends as well as my contact with refugees here have made me acutely aware of their daily struggles. It is heartbreaking to see their pain and distress, and I know I will never completely understand their grief. As I was walking back from the refugee camp, I reflected on the heartbreaking stories I heard of people who had fled their war-torn countries (Syria, Iran, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). I was reminded of the words of the great theologian Edward Schillebeeckx, “Without prayer or mysticism politics soon becomes cruel and barbaric. Without political love, prayer or mysticism soon becomes sentimental or uncommitted interiority”.
The refugee count is growing every day and, at present, there are approximately 7000 displaced persons in Calais. In the camp, (called “the jungle”), life is harsh and getting harder. Anxiety and fear are spreading like an epidemic throughout the hearts and minds of everyone here. There is growing tension between police and refugees. Obtaining asylum in either France or England or, really, any European country, is difficult and nearing impossibility. Many are terrified that the camp will soon be closed. The cloud of despair blanketing the camp is thick and relentless.The political leaders’ response to this human suffering is clinical and devoid of any kind of compassion or mercy.
Those in leadership positions are concerned only with numbers and limits and regulations. There is very little concern for the palpable suffering occurring right in front of them. This makes me wonder if it is a lack of self reflection and communal discernment that causes these individuals to respond so callously. Edward Schillebeeckx, words echoes in my ear “Without prayer or mysticism politics soon becomes cruel and barbaric”.
We begin our day with prayer, meditation, and reflection about how we are going to help our friends in the “jungle.” And, we end each day with self reflection. By doing this, we are able to locate our humanity and compassion as we reach out with love for these people who are so desperately in need.
This feeling of compassion is not merely a sentimental response with no practical or long-term effects. It is the embodiment of Christ’s love, grounded in human rights and dignity. It is a compassion that recognizes the equality and dignity of every human person regardless of ethnicity, color, religion or nationality. This compassion is challenging me, asking me if I am willing to leave my comfort zone and offer true hospitality to my brothers and sisters. I end my day praying for a greater congruence of compassion at both the government and individual levels that will facilitate an end to the suffering and marginalization of this large faction of Christ’s people.
Sister Sheena George professed first vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace in 2014. She is presently studying theology and psychology at Fordham University. This summer she spent three weeks in Calais, France as part of a CSJP delegation to support the work of the Catholic Worker with the refugee community in the "Jungle."
