Christian Churches throughout Britain celebrated the 20th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday this weekend. Since 1995, Christians have set the second Sunday in September aside as an opportunity to consider issues of racial justice and pray for peace and acceptance among communities of different races. The theme for this year was ‘Hospitality,’ an issue of particular resonance in Europe as we face the refuge crisis in Syria. Fr Paul reminded us of our responsibilities towards our fellow humans beings facing life-threatening situations at home and forced to seek sanctuary in foreign lands.

The Mass today gave us the opportunity to hear readings and prayers in the mother tongues of some members of the St Alban’s community – these included Polish, Italian, Spanish, Filipino, Ukranian and Irish Gaelic. Perhaps for a moment giving us an insight into what it must be like to arrive as a stranger in another country.

We followed the Mass by sharing a delicious range of foods from our different ethnic backgrounds – demonstrating that food truly is a universal language. Many thanks to all who shared the cuisine of their homeland.