Program on refugee crisis set Oct. 19 at St. Columba hall

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, in cooperation with the city of Youngstown and the Dorothy Day House, will sponsor a community forum, “Understanding the Refugee Crisis,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 at St. Columba Cathedral hall, 154 W. Wood St.

The event is free.

Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally will welcome attendees. Dr. Tim Francisco, professor of English at Youngstown State University, will be moderator.

Speaking will be the Rev. David Bergner, vicar for social concerns in the diocese; Thomas Mrosko, director of migration and refugee services in the diocese; and a senior official from the U. S. State Department.

A refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Makorobondo Salukombo Dee, will reflect on his life as a refugee in Uganda before resettling in Cleveland. Dee works for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Cleveland.

For information, contact Father Bergner at the diocese at 330-744-8451, ext. 320, or dbergner@youngstowndiocese.org.