On September 6th, 2015, Pope Francis declared, "I make an appeal...May every parish, every religious community, every monastery, every shrine accommodate one [refugee] family, beginning with my diocese of Rome." The Vatican resettled two refugee families shortly thereafter, and continues to sponsor refugee families from around the world. Even with this modern-day Gospel call from Pope Francis, few places have heeded his words.

Georgetown University is in a position to help. Working alongside Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area, Georgetown can help provide housing, resources, and a support system to a refugee family in need. In addition, Georgetown University students can work collaboratively with the refugees through language training, resource gathering, and cultural adjustment. One small step by the oldest Catholic university in America would further our nation's call to welcome the stranger. We hope that in leading by example, Georgetown can help to spark a movement of support and compassion during this time of crisis for refugees around the world.

*Heed the Call is an "Every Campus a Refuge" initiative. (http://everycampusarefuge.org/)

Check out our column in The Hoya: http://www.thehoya.com/rosner-heeding-the-call-of-conscience/

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