Seminar at the Belfast Jesuit Centre, Wednesday 10th September 2025
As part of this year’s Season of Creation
The Season of Creation is an annual Christian observance that takes place from September 1st to October 4th. It is a time when Christians around the world come together to pray, reflect, and take action on caring for the environment and addressing ecological concerns. The observance begins on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation (September 1st) and concludes on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), the patron saint of ecology in the Catholic tradition. The Season encourages prayer, education, and advocacy for environmental stewardship. Read more about the Season of Creation » More programme in Belfast, a well-attended seminar on “Migration Today and Tomorrow” took place in the Jesuit Centre on Wednesday 10th September. Organized by “Join the Dots Together” in partnership with the Migrant Centre NI, the evening formed part of a series of seminars on the theme of Peace with Creation, encouraging reflection on how ecological and social issues are deeply interconnected.
Julia Fitzpatrick, Coordinator with the Migrant Centre introduced the keynote inputs from Fr. Pat Colgan of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and Eithne McNulty from CADA (Coalition of Aid & Development Agencies). Fr. Pat, who lived in Fiji for many years, explored the reality of climate-driven migration. He highlighted how extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, are already displacing millions, and explained how climate change acts as a “threat multiplier,” intensifying poverty, conflict, and insecurity. Migration, he suggested, must increasingly be understood as a potential adaptation strategy, with rights and protections for those displaced urgently requiring international attention
Eithne, who has a vast experience of development work particularly in Uganda, followed with a compelling contribution drawing on the work of science writer Gaia Vince. She warned that climate migration on a massive scale is inevitable in this century, driven by fire, heat, drought, and flood. Eithne stressed the need to move from a mind-set of border control to one of global citizenship, highlighting the positive attitudes many in Britain and Ireland already show towards migrants
An outstanding highlight of the evening was the valuable perspective from two people who found themselves migrants in N. Ireland. Viktoria, shared her journey of resilience, describing how, after challenges and uncertainty, she found fulfilling work in a school, a role she loves and values. Ali spoke candidly of his early difficulties and feelings of isolation, before eventually establishing a successful pizza business. Their stories of perseverance, courage, and contribution were warmly received and deeply appreciated by all present, embodying the human face of migration.
The seminar also fostered dialogue among participants. It would be impossible to recount the vast gamma of opinions and the personal suffering expressed by some of those present. Mutaraf spoke imaginatively about the idea of a single world currency as a way of reducing inequalities. Fr Gerry underlined the need to listen patiently to people holding polarised views, stressing that true dialogue requires space for every voice. Colin reflected on the vital role of education in shaping attitudes to migration, while Eithne again pointed to the importance of global citizenship education in schools.
The atmosphere throughout was one of attentive listening, respectful dialogue and shared concern for the future. The contributions of migrants, academics, and community voices alike gave substance to the evening’s theme, reminding participants that peace with creation also means peace among peoples.
This seminar testified to the richness that comes when diverse perspectives meet. It called all present to a renewed openness—to the realities of migration, to the urgent challenges of climate change, and to the possibilities of a future shaped by solidarity and hope.