One of the most impactful experiences I had while studying at Theological College & Catholic University in Washington, D.C., was working as an intern at the Torture Abolition and Survivors’ Support Coalition (TASSC). As its title indicates, through advocacy and outreach, TASSC’s “aim is to end the practice of torture wherever it occurs and support survivors as they empower themselves, their families and communities wherever they are.” As an intern, my initial role was to help the helpers, listen firsthand to survivors’ stories and practice the ministry of presence. Witnessing a small group of survivors with deep-seated cultural tensions that persisted in their countries of origin, brought together through their shared experience of survival, laughing together and helping each other to learn and practically apply the English language, was one of the most powerful experiences of what I could only describe as “eucharist.” My work also included writing and preparing letters of support, assisting in family reunification, and accompanying young survivors (who would have been my peers at the time) to hearings at immigration court.

One of our clients was a world-class distance runner, and we went for occasional long, early morning runs. He absolutely smoked me: but it was a thrill to be able to run with a celebrity athlete. With him in mind, on my heart and in my prayers, I’ll be participating in the annual IRIS Run for Refugees. In 2020, IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services) helped 120 refugees and immigrants in Connecticut find work—and, provided refugee and immigrant families with rental assistance; virtual lessons in English, art and music; and weekly essential groceries. STM has a deep tradition of solidarity with—and advocating for—refugees here in New Haven, and we’ve boasted a good number of runners and walkers in the race over the years. As our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has said: “in front of the tragedy of the tens of thousands of refugees escaping death by war or hunger, on the path towards the hope of life, the Gospel calls us, asks us to be ‘neighbors.’” Participating in the Run for Refugees is an opportunity for us to run, walk or pray in solidarity with our neighbors who are refugees residing here in our city, in our neighborhood.

As with all road races in a time of pandemic, this year’s Run for Refugees will take on a virtual format. It kicked off this past Saturday and the window within which to complete the virtual run closes on Valentine’s Day. Should you wish to run, walk, listen to awesome Spotify playlists curated by refugee youth or learn more about IRIS and the Run for Refugees, check out: https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewHaven/IRISRunforRefugees.