This year’s theme for Refugee Week was HOME, and Fr. Anton of St. Agnes & St Aidan’s in Huyton was more than happy to open the home of the church gardens as a venue to celebrate Refugee Week with SHARe Knowsley, a local grassroots charity aimed at Supporting & Helping Asylum seekers.

Fr. Anton has always been extremely supportive of the charity – indeed SHARe Knowsley has its origins in St Agnes & St. Aidan, when a parish Refugee Action group was set up and chaired by Margaret Roche, who is now the Manager of SHARe Knowsley, and a substantial number of their volunteers are also parishioners.

SHARe Knowsley's acronym embodies the charity’s philosophy of sharing lives with everyone they meet, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexuality. The celebration highlighted the diversity of the group, and the aim to make refugee friends feel at home in Knowsley.

Guests were welcomed warmly by Fr Anton and Eddie Connor, The Mayor of Knowsley, before being treated to the culinary delights of BBQ chicken and food from around the world including African Jollof Rice and Ghormeh Sabzi from Iran, courtesy of our Refugee friends who were keen to share their Home foods with us.

The afternoon was spent relaxing, enjoying food together, dancing and feeling at home with each other.

Deacon Justin Malewezi Jnr from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Croxteth, who was there, commented: “This is just what building the kingdom here on earth is all about; coming together to share food with everyone welcome and celebrated.”

The success of the barbecue left everyone with lasting memories of unity and joy. The celebration was a testament to the shared values and inclusive spirit of St. Agnes & St. Aidan’s community. 

To find out more, their website is: www.shareknowsley.org.uk