As a migrant priest from Myanmar working in Melbourne, I have experienced both the blessings and the challenges that come with living far from home.  Migrant and Refugee Sunday provides a chance to reflect on the journey of so many who, like me, have left their homeland particularly those from Myanmar.

I came to Melbourne a decade ago to study for the priesthood and worked in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.  I felt that the Australian people, especially within the Catholic Church, have a genuine desire to welcome those who come from abroad.  Melbourne’s Catholic communities are wonderfully diverse, and there is a strong emphasis on inclusion.  The adjustments that I needed to make have been largely positive.  Australian Church operates differently than what I was used to in Myanmar, from liturgical practices to community traditions.  I’ve found a way to integrate both my Myanmar heritage and the local Church’s characteristics.  Parishioners are eager to learn about Myanmar’s situation and have shown solidarity with me and those suffering back home.  Their questions like, “How is your family doing?” mean more to me than I can express.

The migrants, especially from Myanmar, face a lot of challenges.  Language barriers, especially for older generations, make it harder to find employment or connect with the broader Australian community.  Cultural differences can also make it challenging to integrate into a society that often values individualism, contrasting with Myanmar’s communal way of life.  Most of Myanmar’s refugees carry the emotional weight of past trauma and the ongoing anxiety about loved ones still living under military oppression in Myanmar.

The military coup in 2021 has plunged Myanmar into violence, suppression of democracy and human rights abuses.  Entire regions have been devastated, with villages burned, people displaced, and ethnic minorities like Rohingya and Christian communities were targeted.  The military continues to use air strikes and shelling towards civilians, and anti-coup activists are still executed.  Moreover, the recent Typhoon Ragi caused widespread devastation across the country: destruction of homes and infrastructure and hundreds of fatalities.  Myanmar’s military has further complicated efforts to provide humanitarian aid, making it difficult for international relief to reach those in need.

Although Myanmar refugees in Melbourne are struggling to make ends meet, we are constantly aware of the desperate need to support families and communities back home.  Almost every weekend in Melbourne, there is a fundraising event with the aim of helping loved ones impacted by both military brutality and natural disasters.  Unfortunately, Myanmar’s situation receives far less international attention compared to other global crises.  Pope Francis has been a constant support to suffering people of Myanmar as he has been urging the international community not to forget Myanmar.  During a recent visit to Indonesia, the Pope spoke for the people of Myanmar.  “The situation in Myanmar is difficult,” the Pope said.  “There are good young people fighting for their homeland.  In Myanmar today you cannot be silent: you have to do something!  The future of your country must be peace, based on respect for the dignity and rights of all, on respect for a democratic order that allows each person to make his or her contribution to the common good.”

On this Migrant and Refugee Sunday, I thank God and Australia (Melbourne) for opening their doors and hearts to migrants and refugees.  We come with unique stories, gifts, and challenges.  For those of us from Myanmar, our faith sustains us, and we find hope in the kindness of the Australian people.  Together, we pray for peace in Myanmar and for all migrants and refugees around the world, trusting that God walks with us on this journey of hope and healing.

By Fr Jude Johnson

Fr Jude Johnson was ordained to the priesthood at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne in 2022 and is currently Assistant Priest at St Mary of the Angels Basilica, Geelong.  Jude spent time working in our parishes while completing his studies and as a Deacon.

Main image: Fr Jude Johnson

Published: 27 September 2024