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SJES - Annual Meeting of Conference Social Apostolate Coordinators
(Apr-30-2012)  The annual meeting of the Conference/Assistancy Social Apostolate coordinators will be held at the SJE Secretariat in Rome, from May 14-18. This year the team will reflect on the responses of Jesuits to the Ecology document "Healing a Broken World" (PJ 106). The response has been collected from the Province Social Coordinators through a short questionnaire sent from the secretariat. They will also reflect on the GIAN and the challenges ahead.
Europe - Global Campaign for Education
(Apr-30-2012)  The Global Action Week for Education took place from the 22 to 28 of April, 2012. There are still 69 million children in the world that do not go to school, out of which 54% are girls. There are also 759 million adults that are illiterate and 2 thirds of them are women. Several institutions such as Fe y Alegría, Alboan, Entreculturas of the Society of Jesus are promoting the Campaign. And the Secretariat for Social Justice and Ecology, through its Ignatian Advocacy Network is also promoting (GIAN) 'Right to Education' as an area for advocacy.
United States - Santa Clara University Selected for 2013 Solar Decathlon
(Apr-30-2012)  Santa Clara University (SCU), a Jesuit University in California, hopes the third time will be the charm as it takes part in one of the world's most prestigious competitions to determine the best designer and builder of a net-zero energy house. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that Santa Clara University will compete in the 2013 Solar Decathlon, joining 19 other teams of universities and colleges from around the world.
CPAL - Meeting of SJR / SJM in Latin America
(Apr-30-2012)  The meeting of the Jesuit Migration Services and Jesuit Refugee Services will be held between 28 April and 4 May, at Buga (Colombia), an active and coordinated network in the Conference of Latin America. This network tries to respond comprehensively to the movements of people in Latin America, addressing in a coherent way economic migrants, internally displaced and forced migrants seeking for asylum. The meeting plans identify some common specific objectives for the network and some common actions.
Malta - Meeting of the Social Delegates of European Provinces
(Apr-30-2012)  Around 15 Social delegates of various Provinces of Europe gathered together for the second time at the Jesuit Retreat House, Malta from April 12th to 14th along with Fr. John Dardis, President of the European Conference. Convened by José Ignacio García, director of JESC in Brussels, the participants shared about the situation of the social sector in each of their provinces. They also shared on the main strategic options of JRS-Europe and the response of the Jesuits to the document "Healing a Broken World". The high point was the visit to the detention centres of refugees and migrants and the sharing of experiences by John Mauki and Jaroslay Mikuczenwski, two young Jesuits from Tanzania and Poland respectively, working in JRS-Malta under a joint project of the Jesuit Conferences of Africa and Europe.
United States - An International Conference on Networking in the Society of Jesus
(Apr-30-2012)  The Jesuit Institute at Boston College, together with the Graduate School of Social Work and the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality, organized an International Conference to reflect on the challenges and potentials within our International network of institutions in order to facilitate and maximize our impact as a transnational body with a universal mission. The conference held at Boston College from April 28-30 brought together around 35 Jesuits and lay colleagues from all over the world, academicians and practitioners from apostolic works. The main objective was to initiate a line of reflection and research on the opportunities and ways to develop international networking in the Ignatian family; given the challenges that globalization poses to the universal body of the Society of Jesus.
France - Catholic Social Doctrine online
(Apr-30-2012)  CERAS, The French Centre for Social Research and Action has created a new site on the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church that helps to understand the doctrines in the context of the tradition of the Church, of the new theological perspectives and the reading of the signs of the times together with the contributions of the natural sciences. The articles that present the different questions come from very renowned authors. CERAS offers the texts for translation into other languages. www.doctrine-sociale-catholique.fr. If you wish to translate them, kindly contact CERAS.
Africa - CYNESA the Catholic youth response to environmental challenges
(Apr-30-2012)  Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA) has created a platform through which young Catholics across Africa are responding to the twin challenges of environmental degradation and climate change, from the perspective of Catholic social ethics, paying attention to the most vulnerable. Taking advantage of social media, the network has threefold aims, namely Education and awareness creation, Networking and advocacy training, and Encouraging and supporting concrete action plans at the local level. Read More...
India - Academicians and Activists search for an integral response to Displacement & Migration
(Apr-30-2012)  A Jesuit run premier Business Management Institute, Xavier Institute of Management - Bhubaneswar (XIMB), Orissa, brought together academicians and 25 Jesuit social activists, including a Provincial for an international conference on Displacement and Migration from April 10-12, one of the 5 chosen priority issues for South Asia. The participants and academicians were from Mexico, South Africa, France, Japan, China and many other countries besides India. The conference, a first of its kind, helped the intellectuals, management personnel and grass root activists to reflect together and learn from each other and search for a common response. In their search, poor and the displaced people were the focus. Read more...
Latin America - Online workshop for citizen commitment
(Apr-30-2012)  "Todos somos parte" an online workshop on the above theme is open and applications are available from 9 April. The online workshop for citizen commitment will commence in June 2012. It is addressed to teachers who want to deepen their knowledge and acquire values, attitudes and aptitudes for citizen commitment. The initiative has been supported both by Fe y Alegría and the Latin American universities of the Society of Jesus (Ausjal). This is intended to be an important contribution for the renewal of democratic values among communities in Latin America.
United States - California Jesuit Province endorses abolition of death penalty
(Apr-30-2012)  The California Province recently endorsed the SAFE California Act, which would replace California's death penalty with a sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole as the maximum punishment for murder. This means convicted killers will remain behind bars forever - with no risk of being executed.
Perú - Jesuit Archbishop receives death threat for standing against mining
(Mar-31-2012)  Mons. Barretto, Jesuit Archbishop in Huancayo received phone calls and SMS messages telling him that his days are numbered and asked him to get the coffin ready. The threats were because he wrote a letter about the danger of mining activities in La Oroya that contaminates the environment and damages the health of people particularly the children. His letter titled 'No silence before evil' asks for not reinitiating the mining activities before implementing the protocol to protect life, health and dignity of people in La Oroya and in the region. He received threats two days after releasing the letter. Read more...
Korea - A Jesuit held for protest against naval base on Jeju Island
(Mar-31-2012)  The Church in Korea has taken a stand against the construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, a province of South Korea. The Korean Jesuits are in strong support of this, participating in protests and conducting masses on-site. As a result some have been arrested a number of times in the past for hindering the construction work. On March 11, the Jeju district court issued arrest warrants for Fr Joseph Chong-uk Kim SJ and Protestant Reverend Lee Jeong-hun. As of March 14, Fr Kim was still being held for investigation and trial. Read more....
Africa - JASCN organizes animation and training Programs for Social Change
(Mar-31-2012)  Jesuit African Social Centres Network, which aims to encourage joint initiatives among Jesuit social centers in the continent and facilitates the exchange of experiences and mutual enrichment coordinates the social action in the conference, has initiated a series of 6 programs of animation and training for Jesuits in 2012. Two have already been conducted on Project management, one in January in Nairobi and the second in February in Abidjan. Two more programs are planned as formation courses in management, and another two on research, analysis and publication. They will be held in four African cities, namely Nairobi, Abidjan, Kinshasa and Lusaka. JASCN also plans to organize training courses specializing on the processes of elections, and on how to prevent electoral conflicts and violence. Finally, in the light of the fifty years of independence of many African countries, the final seminar will address the question of how to create structures among Jesuit social centers in Africa to bring in Social change and social transformation.
South Asia - Fifty Eco-Jesuits meet to Reflect on Ecological concerns
(Mar-31-2012)  Fifty Jesuits, that included the Conference President, one Provincial, 15 theology students and many Jesuits involved directly in the ecological concerns, came together at Tarumitra in Patna from 10-12 March, to share their personal experiences, their concerns about deforestation, pollution, global warming, plight of the poor and the tribals (Indigenous people) and to reflect on the eco spirituality that draws them to eco-action today. Reflecting on the SJES document "Healing the Broken World" they prepared 5 priority concerns for South Asia and also made a Final Statement of the Meet titled "God's Dream With Us". Read more...
United States - Jesuits and Religious leaders call for a Faithful Budget
(Mar-31-2012)  Standing in stark contrast to partisan federal budget proposals in the United States that seek first to address a bottom line instead of the nation's needs and priorities, on March 22, the Jesuit Conference joined religious leaders and faith-based organizations from across the U.S. in unveiling a "Faithful Budget" proposal for congressional consideration. The Priorities for a Faithful Budget is a set of comprehensive and compassionate budget principles that will protect the common good, value each individual and help lift the burden on the poor. Read The Faithful Budget in its entirety.
Bolivia - Bolivian Bishops' Conference issues Pastoral Letter on Ecology and Human Development
(Mar-31-2012)  The text, "The Universe, gift from God for life" was released on the 22nd of March. It speaks about creation as a gift from God and raises awareness about the threats that is facing today. In the case of Bolivia it shows how mining activities, deforestation and climate changes are having dangerous impact on the environment in the region. It expresses the need for change both at the global and local levels. It calls us to take responsibilities and a deep sense of reparation and commitment. It also expresses a sense of hope and calls for a change in the present consumerist way of living and to establish international alliances to responding to the challenges. Click to read the Letter
India - Darjeeling Jesuits play proactive role in Right to Food Campaign
(Mar-31-2012)  To highlight the plight of the tea workers and villagers of North Bengal in India, who do not get their due food grains, because of the serious drawbacks within the Public Distribution System of the government, a few Jesuits social activists of Darjeeling Province along with 20 other NGOs, including some religious, and trade unions campaigned for Right to Food on 11th March in Siliguri town, with a march of 2,500 people from various parts of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts, and the convention that followed. Read more...
Bolivia - Andean-Amazon Forum for Rural Development
(Mar-31-2012)  The Jesuit Social Centres in Bolivia, along with several institutions, are getting ready for the Andean-Amazon Forum for Rural Development, to take place from 9-11 May in La Paz. This international event will bring together organizations and participants from different countries of Amazonia, namely Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia along with Spain, who will involve in activities such as debates, meetings, agro ecological markets and a photographic contest. Amazon region. Read more...
Vatican - Water an Essential Element for Life
(Mar-31-2012)  With a view to the Sixth World Water Forum that took place in Marseille, France, 12-17 March 2012, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace prepared the Holy See's contribution, entitled, Water an essential element for life. Although some results have been achieved, the document points out that half of the world's population still does not have adequate access to drinking water and expresses a strong hope for better management of water resources on the part of all those involved as they are called to act responsibly, with sobriety and solidarity.
Tibet - Documentary on itinerary of Portuguese Jesuits in the Himalayas
(Mar-31-2012)  The documentary Himalaias: viagem dos Jesuítas portugueses retraces the routes of a group of intrepid pioneer Portuguese Jesuits in the early 17th century in the Himalaya area, inviting viewers to meet an important chapter of our collective past: the exploration within the Asian continent, associated with the search of the mythical kingdom of Cathay. Joaquim Magalhães de Castro, the director of the documentary, traveler and researcher of the history of Portuguese expansion says, "From Goa (India), they went to Agra and from there to Tibet." Read more...
Healing a Broken World - PJ 106
(Mar-13-2012) "Healing a Broken World" the latest document on Ecology was published recently by SJES in Promotio Justitiae No. 106. We regret that this PJ 106 is not available on the PJ web pages presently. Hence we give the
link here for you to downloadthe PDF version temporarily. We regret the inconveniences caused.
Venezuela - An Analysis of Latin America
(Feb-29-2012)  On 31st January 2012, the Centro Gumilla in Caracas - Venezuela released the last Analysis of the situation (Análisis de Coyuntura) in Latin America, covering the period from October to December 2011. These analyses are produced with the help of other Jesuit Social Centres in Latin America. Among other questions it offers some thoughts about the present economic crisis from the perspective of the Latin American countries. For more information
Europe - International day for Soldiers Children
(Feb-29-2012)  The International day for Soldiers Children was celebrated on 12th February. The Jesuit NGOs Entreculturas and Alboan joined Amnesty International and Save the Children in a campaign promoting their rights and rehabilitation and asking for education for them. They have issued some information about the Soldier Children in the world and some videos have been edited on this reality. Video1 and Video2.
Africa - JESAM plans to Assess and plan the future of Jesuit Social Apostolate in Africa
(Feb-29-2012) Jesuit African Social Centers Network (JASCNET) is organizing a seminar on 'Assessment and Future of the Jesuit Social Apostolate in Africa, in view of 50 Years of Independence: The role of our Centers for Social Study and Action' from June 24-28, 2012 in Nairobi. This seminar will bring together at least 30 leaders, directors and delegates from various provinces, to consider how to make the Jesuit social apostolate an instrument of social change, for the rebirth of the continent.
United States - Jesuit Conference engagement leads to adoption of Human Rights Policy at OM Group
(Feb-29-2012)  The Jesuit Conference of the United States announced that its four-year engagement with OM Group has resulted in the adoption by the company of a human rights policy for its employees, including miners at its cobalt smelter in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to the Jesuits, their engagement with OM Group began after a visit to the company's smelter in Lubumbashi raised concerns about worker safely at an adjacent site owned by a joint venture partner. In 2007, three children were killed in a workplace accident there.
India - Jesuit Social Centre brings together 10,000 Tribals to rebuild their identity
(Feb-29-2012)  LAHRC-Shakti Social Centre in Gujarat brought together more than 10,000 tribals for a two-day cultural fest to revive, encourage and strengthen the adivasi (indigenous) culture and identity. The fete completely organized and financially supported by the tribals themselves has become a powerful tool to build a greater bond among the tribals and to struggle for justice and equality. Read more...
India-Jesuits house Flood Victims
(Feb-29-2012)  Loyola Pragati Kendra, the Jesuit Social Centre provided 127 flood-affected families with new homes in Karnataka's Raichur district. Many poor families from various religious backgrounds lost their homes in October 2009, when flood waters struck washing away thousands of houses. Fr. Eric Mathias, the director of the centre says that the Jesuits have been working since then to help rehouse the flood victims, especially the poorest. Read more...
United States - St. Louis University program in Mo. Prison helps set minds free
(Feb-29-2012)  In 2008, SLU started offering certificates in Theology Studies at the prison. In March, it expanded to an associate of arts, a two-year degree that will take the inmates four years to finish. When the initial certificate was offered, the application window closed after five days - more than 300 inmates applied for 15 slots. SLU selected inmates without life sentences and those who tutored or held leadership positions in prison. Read more...
JRS - Commitment to Justice
(Feb-29-2012)  JRS has recently made public the Strategic Framework for the period 2012-15, where they express their mission and values, their compassion for humanity on the edge. They also explicit their commitment to justice rooted in a deep faith and the need for building a stronger and more united JRS. The text can be found here.
(It can also be found in other languages)
Asia Pacific: Scholastics Promote Reconciliation with Creation
(Jan-31-2012) Scholastics and Brothers in Asia Pacific Conference showed the innovative campaign materials about promoting reconciliation with creation that they developed during a workshop on Effective Communications. The environment was chosen as this year's workshop focus in line with reconciliation with creation being one of common priorities for the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific and the desire of the Scholastics and Brothers to be of assistance to the Jesuit task force on ecology. Read more...
Japan: Abolish Nuclear Plants immediately say CBCJ
(Jan-31-2012) "Abolish nuclear plants immediately", this is the title of a letter written by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan, addressed to all residents in Japan and which the Japanese Jesuits have recently supported. In their message they call for the immediate abolishment of all the power nuclear plants in Japan, after the tragedy in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. Read the letter....
India: You can also read about the continuing struggle by the ordinary villagers for years to stop the nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, Tamilnadu, India and how the local church is being victimized for supporting the movement of the people. Click Link
Haiti: Jesuits commit to build a better future for the country
(Jan-31-2012) 
The Jesuits in Haiti write a message about the situation of the country after 2 years from the earthquake that took place on the 12th January 2010. In the message they denounce the promises that were never accomplished, they give thanks for the generosity they have received and they make a call to the government in Haiti and to people of good will to contribute to a new society in Haiti: Click Link:
United States: Jesuits Launch youtube Channel featuring Ignatian News
(Jan-31-2012) Loyola Productions, a Jesuit-sponsored film production house in Los Angeles, has recently launched a YouTube channel dedicated to promoting the works and mission of the Society of Jesus. Ignatian News Network (INN) will tell the stories that inspire, inform and spread the word about the people in and around Jesuit ministries and institutions. These short videos, many featuring biographical profiles of Jesuits, will give a distinctive Ignatian lens to news and happenings across the U.S. National Jesuit News will be featuring upcoming INN videos right here. You can also subscribe to the INN YouTube channel and check out this promo piece
Vatican:
(Jan-31-2012) "Current Global Economic crisis is not only a financial crisis, it's an ethical crisis. Climate change is a faith issue because it deals with God's creation and with poverty", said Honduran Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Tegucigalpa and President of Caritas Internationalis in Durban. Cardinal Rodriguez, a member of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, also said that globalization "is not a bad word", but if people see it only as a process of expanding markets and finance, it will not help the human community. "It is necessary to globalize solidarity." The current global economic crisis "is not only a financial crisis, it's an ethical crisis". Read more...
Philippines:
(Dec-23-2011) The island of Mindanao where many Jesuits work has been devastated by Typhoon Washi on 17 December, with a death toll of about 1,000 people. The Jesuit University Ateneo de Cagayan has set up a relief centre to collect food and medicine and has opened its campus for people seeking shelter. Click here to find out how to make a donation.
Sri Lanka:
(Dec-23-2011) An advocacy workshop has been organised in Sri Lanka from on 14 and 15 November by the Jesuit social action team. Over 20 people participated from all Jesuit social centres on the island. While some participants felt that there's need for national level advocacy against domestic violence, others expressed that there are burning issues such as ethnic problem, militarization, family rule, moving the constitutional framework towards dictatorship, suppression of the media that need urgent advocacy action on a national and international level. A follow-up workshop will be held in January. click the link
Colombia: Defining the identity and spirituality of Fe y Alegría
(Nov-30-2011) The 42nd International Congress of Fe y Alegría (Faith and Joy), the Latin American popular education movement, was held in Bogotá on 11- 13 November. This year, the aim of the Congress was to construct a framework of identity and spirituality for the network of schools that educates 1,500,000 students every year. The framework enables Fe y Alegría to fulfil its mission in a diversity of countries and contexts.
USA: Social Ministries Coordinator undergoes "school of the heart" in India
(Nov-30-2011) Tom Greene SJ, the Secretary for Social and International Ministries of the United States Jesuit Conference, has returned from his tertianship in India. In an interview with National Jesuit News, he called his experience a "school of the heart".
Dominican Republic
(Oct-31-2011) The Dominican Republic is one of the countries with the lowest index of investment in education in the whole of Latin America. The Jesuits in the Dominican Republic have joined an international campaign to raise investment in education from 1.8% to the 4% foreseen by the constitution. Jesuit institutions and Christian Life Communities worldwide, in a concerted effort on 4 October, delivered letters to the ambassadors of the Dominican Republic in their countries. Click here for an update on the campaign's activities from the Jesuit social centre in the Dominican Republic. 
Global Ignatian Advocacy Network
(Oct-31-2011) A flourishing environment, the right to education for all, peace and respect for human rights, good governance of natural and mineral resources and dignity for migrants - these are the "Millennium Development Goals" of the Society of Jesus. In order to achieve these goals, the members of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network are carrying out a "mapping", a worldwide survey of existing Jesuit resources, contacts and interest. An open invitation has been extended to social, theological, educational and pastoral centres that have the capacity and interest to do advocacy.
Sri Lanka
(Sep-12-2011) Magis, the Italian Jesuits' NGO, and the Italian Bishops' Conference, are funding a project run by the Jesuit Social Centre in Galle, southern Sri Lanka, which supports widows and their families, over 800 persons in total. This group of people has the least possibilities to earn a living wage and send their children to school. The support is not only financial but also psycho-spiritual, through self-help groups and by teaching the mothers how to meditate in the Buddhist tradition.
Cambodia
(Sep-12-2011) Kampong Cham on the Mekong River hosted the meeting on ecology of the Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific. Fifty Jesuits and lay collaborators met from 11 to 15 July to talk about "Green Campus" initiatives, Jesuit community life and ecology and issues to consider in formation and advocacy. h
Chad
(Jul-12-2011) In an interview with the Jesuit NGO Entreculturas (Spain), Antoine Bérilengar SJ, the director of the Jesuit social center in Chad (CEFOD), explains the current political situation of the country, and how it is linked to the independence of Southern Sudan and the situation in Libya: http://goo.gl/SwNv0 The CEFOD website offers reflections and updates on the political process in Chad and occasionally runs special issues on topics like ecology or indigenous peoples, and most recently, gender based violence. http://goo.gl/JU69I (translated by Google)
USA
(Jul-12-2011) The Ignatian Solidarity Network has a new Executive Director. Chris Kerr succeeds Ann Magovern, who has served as director for the last 5 years. Chris brings to ISN his experience of engaging students in social justice initiatives and immersion experiences at John Carroll University, his deep understanding of Ignatian spirituality, his thorough knowledge of ISN's Mission and Vision, and his strategic and visionary outlook. http://www.ignatiansolidarity.net/
Global Advocacy Networks
(Jun-30-2011) For the first time, all the current members of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) have come together from 18-23 June in the retreat house near the birth place of St Ignatius in Loyola. The five leaders and twenty core group members of the global networks for Ecology, Right to Education, Migration, Peace and Human Rights, and Governance of Natural and Mineral Resources have spend six days learning about advocacy and networking, and discerning the way forward for their networks. The workshop in Loyola will be followed by a worldwide mapping of Jesuit institutions currently engaged in advocacy. Read about the meeting on the GIAN website: http://www.ignatianadvocacy.org/
Ecology documents made public
(Jun-30-2011) The "Ecology and Jesuits in Communication" website has published previously inaccessible ecology documents that the Social Justice Secretariat had commissioned for the 35th General Congregation in 2008, in English, French and Spanish. The documents include a proposed mission statement and 11 "fact sheets" on topics ranging from agriculture to the spiritual exercises. http://goo.gl/L0jlN
Vatican
(Jun-15-2011) In commemoration of the encyclical "Mater et Magistra", promulgated by John XXIII in 1961, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace organised an international congress on "Justice and Globalisation". Nine Jesuits participated in the meeting that took place in Rome from 16-18 May. More information: http://www.justpax.it/
SJES
(Jun-15-2011) At the annual meeting of Social Apostolate Coordinators of the Jesuit Conferences and Assistancies, held from 23 to 28 May in Rome, participants discussed and discerned the apostolic challenges that the Society of Jesus is facing. In view of the 70th Congregation of Procurators, which starts in Nairobi, Kenya, on 9 July 2012, they had been asked to give their input from the point of view of the social apostolate. The second issue the 11 Jesuits present at the meeting discussed was the implementation of the justice dimension (GC32) across apostolates and sectors of the Society. http://goo.gl/bEXzo (in Spanish)
Europe
(Apr-29-2011) "Building Bridges" was the motto of a two-day conference in March, organized in Brussels by the Migration Desk of the Conference of European Provincials. The main objective of the conference was to gather as many Jesuit institutions as possible that are working with or for migrants in Europe. The 53 participants from all over Europe discussed advocacy on integration policies, integration of second generation migrants and interaction with the host society, awareness raising on diversity and intercultural citizenship and common positions on migration and integration. http://tinyurl.com/3n9xork
Chad
(Apr-29-2011) Foi et Joie (Fe y Alegría Chad) has just celebrated its third anniversary. Working hand in hand with the local education leaders, several community school networks have been established Southern region of Guéra. The main challenge is the school-attendance by girls who often drop out in order to help in the household. Read the full report and see pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/3lxw2lr
Canada
(Mar-31-2011) The provincial of French-speaking Canada, Jean-Marc Biron SJ, has issued a Lenten letter to Jesuits and collaborators in the province to remind them that "reconciliation with creation is a spiritual and social requirement for our times". As well as being a "call to conversion that progressively leads towards an authentic 'ecological solidarity'," the letter contains practical suggestions for discernment and action. The letter can be accessed in French and English here: http://tinyurl.com/canrecnat
Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat
(Mar-31-2011) From 4 to 9 April, the five leaders of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Networks (GIAN) on Ecology, Education, Governance of Natural and Mineral Resources, Migration and Peace and Human Rights will meet at the Jesuit Curia in Rome with four experts from Britain, Germany, Singapore and Spain. This workshop marks the start of a two-year formation programme on advocacy and networking designed by the leaders and run by the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat.
United Nations
(Mar-10-2011) The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome announced on 3 February that world food prices have reached a record high last month, the highest since FAO started its global monthly tracking in 1990 through its Food Price Index. Read an article by José Ignacio García SJ about the situation here: http://tinyurl.com/5sfsgqu and sign up to the newsletter of the Ecojes website here: http://ecojesuit.com/ (in English and Spanish).
World
(Mar-03-2011) 8 March is International Women's Day. The Anti-Trafficking Working Group of the religious orders present in Rome, of which Fr Claudio Barriga SJ is a member, has composed a prayer for the occasion in 14 languages (more will be added) here: http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_8March. For World Forest Day, 21 March, which has special importance during this International Year of Trees, a prayer is available in 17 languages here: http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/EN_21March.
Spain
(Feb-28-2011) On 24 February, a report on the relationship between development cooperation and migration policy was presented by Entreculturas and Alboan, two Jesuit NGOs in Spain. The report presents data showing that Spanish development aid has been manipulated in some cases in favour of immigration control, the most striking case being 5.6 million Euros of development aid spent on police cooperation with West African states. Download the report here (in Spanish): http://www.entreculturas.org/noticias/informe_aod_control_migratorio
Colombia
(Feb-28-2011) From 9 to 11 February, the International Fe y Alegría Federation organised a major conference in Bogotá called "A Look at Quality from the Perspective of Pedagogy". The 500 teachers, FyA staff and government representatives were united in their commitment to the right to quality education for the most underprivileged. Read the blog in Spanish here: http://compromisoporlaeducacion.blogspot.com/
SJES
(Feb-07-2011) The new issue of Promotio Iustitiae, the quarterly journal of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat, has just been published. Click here to access PJ 105: http://sjweb.info/sjs/pjnew/
Sudan
(Feb-07-2011) The preliminary results of the referendum in Southern Sudan indicate that the region will become an independent state. The Society of Jesus is present in the North of Sudan with a centre for Ignatian spirituality in Khartoum and in the South with two communities in Rumbek and Wau, where they have recently opened a high school.
Two Jesuits are teaching in Juba, the Southern capital, and Jesuit Refugee Service is active in Nimule, Kajo Keji, Yei and Lobone, and has its main office in Juba as well.
The provincial in December asked all Jesuits to remain in the country in spite of rising tensions before the referendum, as "part of our call to testify the mission received by the Lord and of our dedication to the people of God in southern Sudan."
Vatican
(Dec-24-2010) Out of the 40 scholars that participated in a study week on 'Transgenic Plants for Food Security in the Context of Development' in May 2009, only seven were members of the organising body, the Pontifical Academy of Science. The event has been heavily criticised as being influenced by the GMO lobby. The Holy See Statement has now issued a statement saying that the published conclusions by Elsevier "must not be considered as a Statement of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which has 80 members, because the Academy, as such, has never been consulted about it nor is such a consultation planned". For a copy of the statement in English and Italian go to: http://tinyurl.com/vaticangmo
Peru
(Dec-24-2010) 700 people and more than 100 institutions expressed their solidarity with Mons. Pedro Barreto Jimeno SJ, Archbishop of Huancayo, who was attacked and insulted for advocating in favour of legal action against the Doe Run Company. The US multinational's use of chemicals for treatment of impure metals had affected the health of 107 local children. On 10 December, CNDH, which is an organization linked to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, honoured Mons. Barreto with the human rights award "Premio Anual de Derechos Humanos Angel Escobar Jurado" for his long-term commitment to the defence of human rights and support of the poorest of the poor.
AJAN
(Nov-30-2010) The Moderator of JESAM (Africa), Fr Fratern Masawe SJ, has issued a statement for World Aids Day which has been published by the African Jesuit Aids Network (AJAN). He is particularly concerned about the fact that HIV/Aids is dropping out from the list of immediate priorities of the world community since it is no longer perceived as an emergency. www.jesuitaids.net/htm/news/96ENG.pdf
United Nations
(Nov-30-2010) Although there will be no Jesuits present at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancún (29 November to 10 December 2010), Jesuits and others will write about it from Mexico, the Philippines, Belgium and the United States. The blog, which is coordinated by the Jesuit European Office in Brussels, will be active throughout the conference: http://ignatianeconet.wordpress.com/
USA
(Oct-19-2010) Hopeworks 'N Camden, a non-profit organisation founded by Jeff Putthoff SJ that teaches web technologies to marginalized young people in Camden, New Jersey, marked its tenth anniversary in March. On 30 August, it celebrated another milestone: it opened its first group home for youth enrolled in the programme in need of a stable place to live in. www.hopeworks.org
Europe
(Oct-19-2010) Bishops from the Episcopal Conferences of Europe participated in the "Pilgrimage for the Safeguarding of Creation" from 1-5 September. In their final message, they echoed Pope Benedict XVI, saying that nature speaks to us, and that care of creation is our first vocation. Read the full message here (in English): http://tinyurl.com/39gz2a7
Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat
(Sep-01-2010) General Congregation 35 provided a stimulus for international networking as an apostolic instrument. Following the call to develop "advocacy links of mutual support" (D 3, no. 28), a few international advocacy networks have started functioning and are at different stages of development. The Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat has supported, and continues to support, the establishment of these advocacy networks. Fr. General has endorsed this process, as well as a Common Plan of Action formulated to help the leaders of these networks consolidate the process over the next two years. The networks have been encouraged to continue clarifying the lines of accountability with their respective superiors, and to maintain the principle of subsidiarity.
Pakistan
(Sep-01-2010) A number of Jesuits are working hard to help flood victims in Pakistan. Fr Imran Ghouri SJ writes: "Our focus is to handle as many of the children as we can. The kids are suffering so badly and you can't stop your tears when a child tells you 'my siblings and parents have died in this water. Why did this water kill my people?' What a painful experience for these unlucky ones. [...] In Lahore diocese I am trying to form a group of religious men/women to work together for the flood victims. We will have a meeting on 20 August at Loyola Hall, in Lahore."
Task Force on Ecology
(Aug-09-2010) The task force (see Headlines 2010-04) had its first meeting in Rome from 5 to 11 July. Five Jesuits and one lay person, one for each Jesuit Conference, have been put in charge by Father General to make practical recommendations to the Society of Jesus. They have listened to three experts, have produced a first draft document and list of recommendations, and drawn up a road map of the process which the Task Force will follow over the next few months.
Promotio Iustitiae
(Aug-09-2010) The latest issue of Promotio Iustitiae has just been published. Its theme is the work of Jesuits "alongside" indigenous peoples in a variety of global contexts. The contributions throw light on the problems of a reality forgotten by many. This issue also contains a reflection on justice and faith and a series of considerations about the international economic crisis. Finally, there are three contributions on the new perspectives that post-modernity opens up on evangelization, sustainable agriculture and ecological commerce, and the Christology and prophetic testimony of the encyclical Caritas in Veritate.
Promotio Iustitiae
(Aug-09-2010) The latest issue of Promotio Iustitiae has just been published. Its theme is the work of Jesuits "alongside" indigenous peoples in a variety of global contexts. The contributions throw light on the problems of a reality forgotten by many. This issue also contains a reflection on justice and faith and a series of considerations about the international economic crisis. Finally, there are three contributions on the new perspectives that post-modernity opens up on evangelization, sustainable agriculture and ecological commerce, and the Christology and prophetic testimony of the encyclical Caritas in Veritate.
Europe
(Jul-12-2010) After 18 months of research in 23 European countries, a study coordinated by Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe was published on 8 June this year. The 400-page study found that migrant detention causes harm to physical and mental health, even among those considered as the least vulnerable. http://www.detention-in-europe.org
Burundi
(Jul-12-2010) Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM), a Jesuit programme for AIDS care and HIV prevention, has inaugurated a small clinic on 12 June. The clinic was named after Fr Martin Royackers SJ, a Canadian Jesuit murdered in Jamaica in 2001. Fr Martin's mother and sister came to Burundi, accompanied by Jenny Cafiso from Canadian Jesuits International who facilitated the visit. Read the full article here (in English): http://tinyurl.com/royackers
Spain
(Jun-30-2010) As part of the Global Campaign for Education, the Jesuit NGO Entreculturas is participating in the campaign "1GOAL for Education". Two Entreculturas staff members, Leticia Silvela and Deyanira Hernández are currently in South Africa to promote the campaign during the World Cup. Read their blog (in Spanish) here: http://golesporlaeducacion.blogspot.com. To add your name to those of almost 10 million other supporters, click here: http://www.join1goal.org
Spain
(Jun-23-2010) The Jesuit institute for migration in Valencia, Ceimigra, offers a course on community leadership for organisations from developing countries. The person chosen by the organisation to attend the course receives a full scholarship for the programme, which runs from September 2010 to July 2011. The deadline for applications is 30 June. More information and application form here (in Spanish): http://tinyurl.com/2wrsweh.
USA/SJM
(Jun-23-2010) The California province of the Jesuits has published a statement (http://www.jesuitscalifornia.org/Document.Doc?id=436) declaring their solidarity with migrants in opposing the new anti-migrant law that was passed in the state of Arizona (SB 1070). Another statement condemning the law has been published by the Jesuit Service for Migrants (SJM) of North and Central America. Read the statement here (in Spanish): http://www.sjweb.info/sjs/articles/documents.cfm?LangTop=3. In addition, the students at a Jesuit school in Arizona, Brophy College Prep, have been very active since the passing of SB 1070. The school's office of Faith and Justice organized the students to take several trips to the (Arizona) Capitol to lobby. Students made signs and stood along with other Arizonans who opposed SB 1070.
Cambodia
(Jun-18-2010) JRS Cambodia has called on people worldwide to send a letter from cluster bomb survivor, Youern Sam En, to footballers participating in the 2010 World Cup asking them to speak out publicly in favour of the cluster munitions convention. The letter, which you are asked to copy and send to your favourite footballer, can be found on the JRS website.
Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat
(Jun-06-2010) Our office at the General Curia in Rome has opened a position for an office administrator. Deadline for applications is 22 June 2010. For more information, click here:
Job description in English
Candidate's profile in English
Israel
(May-24-2010) World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel (29 May - 4 June 2010) is a joint action for a just peace convened by the World Council of Churches and supported by Pax Christi International. It involves a week of advocacy and action for a just peace. A list of resources is available in English at www.worldweekforpeace.org
USA
(May-18-2010) This year's Ignatian Family Teach-In will take place in Washington, D.C., from 13-15 November. During the Teach-In's Advocacy Day, over 1,000 high school and college students will meet with their representatives to carry on the messages of the UCA martyrs. More information: www.ignatiansolidarity.net
Italy/Spain
(May-05-2010) Magis, the Italian Jesuit NGO, is part of a coalition of NGOs that has launched the "1GOAL: Education for All!" campaign in Rome on 15 April. In Spain, the Jesuit NGO Entreculturas is the leader of the same campaign in Spain, coordinating a national Action Week 19-25 April. The objective of the campaign is to collect 30 million signatures worldwide asking for access to primary education for all by 2015. Add your signature here: http://www.join1goal.org/
India
(May-05-2010) North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), the Jesuit social centre in Guwahati, Assam, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. During this past decade it has been able to make a contribution to policy changes in favour of the poor, to civil society and to the professional world in the Northeast. Walter Fernandes SJ, co-founder and director, will hand over the directorship to Melville Pereira SJ in the course of the year. http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/NESRC/
India
(Apr-20-2010) A course on designing websites for social centres has taught Jesuits and their lay collaborators the importance of making their services known to others. The course, organized by JESA (Jesuits in Social Action) took place from 15 to 21 March in Kolkata and was attended by 21 Jesuits and laypeople from 10 Jesuit provinces in India. The Jesuits are involved in grassroots developmental works through some 120 social centres in India. However, currently less than 10 of the centres are able to communicate what they do through websites.
Ecuador
(Apr-20-2010) Applications are now open for the Jesuit Pre-Forum at the World Social Forum on Migration in Quito. The Pre-Forum will take place from 4-6 October; details may be found in the invitation (see link below). Please download the application form in English here: http://tinyurl.com/preforoENG and in Spanish here: http://tinyurl.com/preforoESP and apply by 30 April.
Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat
(Mar-30-2010)
Number 103 of Promotio Iustititae on the theme of Reconciliation is now online. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive every issue by email.
Canada
(Mar-30-2010) The Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice in the CDA province (Jesuits in English Canada) has a brand new website.
AJAN
(Mar-17-2010) Father Michael Czerny, a member of the English Canada Province, coordinator of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), has been named personal assistant to the newly appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana. The new AJAN coordinator is Father Paterne-Auxence Mombe, of the West African Province.
Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat
(Mar-17-2010) The publication that explains the new Ignatian Advocacy Networks is now available online at http://www.ignatianadvocacy.org/ in English, French and Spanish. The booklet includes articles on the characteristics, roots and spirituality of Ignatian advocacy, and background information on the advocacy networks: Migration, Peace and Human Rights, Ecology, Governance of Natural and Mineral Resources and Education.
United Nations
(Feb-18-2010) World Social Justice Day is being celebrated for the second time this year, on 20 February. More information and prayers for this day are available here. The United Nations office responsible for the day has created a Facebook group to connect people around this day.
India
(Feb-18-2010) The Jesuits of Kolkata province will walk more, use less electricity and water and start bio-diversity gardens as part of an action plan they have drawn up to save the environment. At their Province Assembly in December they appointed a team of Jesuits to animate the province on ecological concerns and plans.
Ecuador
(Jan-18-2010) The World Social Forum on Migrations will be held in Quito from 8 to 10 October 2010. Before that Forum, the Society of Jesus will organize a 'Pre-forum', from 4 to 6 October, for Jesuits and their colleagues from all continents who work in the areas of migration and displacement.
USA
(Jan-18-2010) Over 1,800 people took part in last year's Ignatian Family Teach-In in Columbus, Georgia, on 20 and 21 November 2009. "The weekend was a remarkable display of solidarity as we remembered the 20th anniversary of the six Jesuit martyrs and their two companions," wrote the organizers. Read the speeches and see the pictures on this website.
Indonesia
(Jan-11-2010) In October, Pedro Walpole SJ, the initiator of the new Jesuit Environmental Service network in the Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific, visited Jesuits in Indonesia interested in joining the network. Jesuits in Indonesia are currently involved in training people in organic farming, producing cost-efficient earthquake-proof houses, giving assistance to people internally displaced by disasters, and promoting a simple and cheap bio-digester that can be easily reproduced and modified.
Europe
(Jan-11-2010) After an extended period of reflection, the Migration Desk of the Conference of European Provincials (CEP) started to operate in November. Luis Muñoz SJ is in charge of coordinating and supporting the work on migration and long-term integration of the different Jesuit European Provinces. Again on the issue of migration, Entreculturas, the Spanish Jesuit NGO, held an online seminar over the course of four weeks in November/December. The entire contents of the seminar, including a video of each session, can be accessed through this blog (in Spanish).
Denmark
(Jan-04-2010) The blog of the two Jesuits present at the Copenhagen Climate Conference has been a resounding success: over 3,000 people have accessed it during the days of the conference, peaking on 9 December with 632 clicks in a single day. The blog will continue to update readers on activities of the Society of Jesus regarding the environment in English and Spanish.
Vatican
(Jan-04-2010) Pope Benedict XVI's message for World Peace Day 2010, published on 12 December, is entitled "If you want to cultivate peace, protect creation". In the message, the Pope says that we cannot ignore the reality of climate change and asks for action for those displaced by climate change.
Africa
(Nov-30-2009) In his message for World AIDS Day, 1 December, the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar, Fratern Masawe SJ, said AIDS cuts across many areas in the fight for social justice all over the continent. "The aim is to live like a family: to respect the dignity and life of each one, to show solidarity with anyone in need." Read the full statement here.
USA
(Nov-30-2009) In the Jesuit Seven Year Plan for the Environment, now available also in Spanish and French, it was mentioned that Joseph Carver SJ has written an Ecological Examen. You can now find this Examen on our website.
USA
(Nov-10-2009) To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the assassination of six Jesuits and two lay collaborators at the University of Central America (UCA) in El Salvador, the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice is scheduled to take place again at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. The School of the Americas (SOA), where the perpetrators were trained and for whose closure the participants have been protesting for the last 12 years, will be the focus of the Teach-In for the last time. From 2010, the Teach-In will take place at the same time but in a different location each year. The US House of Representatives passed a resolution on 21 October honouring the six Jesuit priests and two women murdered in El Salvador in 1989.
Spain
(Nov-10-2009) The bi-annual conference of 'Eurojess' (Jesuits and their colleagues working in social ministries and social sciences) met for three days at the end of August to reflect on "Muslim Populations in European Societies". Check out the updated Eurojess website for talks and pictures of the event.
United Kingdom
(Nov-03-2009) At a ceremony in Windsor Castle, the Jesuit Seven Year Plan for the Environment will be launched together with hundreds of other plans by different faiths, denominations and religious orders. Jesuit Conferences, provinces, works, communities and individuals are encouraged, with the help of this plan, to fulfil the mandate of GC35 to "move beyond doubts and indifference and take responsibility for our home, the earth." The plan can be downloaded here after its launch on 4 November.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Nov-03-2009) The first ever online-only issue of Promotio Iustititae, the journal of the Secretariat, has been launched on 26 October. The issue explores some of the changes underway in the Society of Jesus in response to the 35th General Congregation. Articles on spirituality and interiority in action offer reflections on the necessary basis for our commitment to social justice. Also included are updates on the Ignatian Advocacy Network and the concept of the frontier in the light of GC35.
India
(Oct-22-2009) St Xavier's Social Service Society (SXSSS) has organized a week of peace (Shanti Saptaha) around the International Day of Peace on 21 September. For more information, go to their beautifully designed, new website.
USA
(Oct-22-2009) The National Jesuit Committee on Investment Responsibility (NJCIR), which engages in advocacy for corporate behavior consistent with Catholic social teaching, recently released its 2009 report on socially responsible investing. The report is available the website of the US Jesuits' magazine Company.
Worldwide
(Oct-02-2009) For the International Day of Nonviolence, 2 October 2009, John Dear SJ has written a liturgy which has been translated into 17 languages. The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the leadership of religious orders in Rome is making the translations available on this website in pdf and Word format: http://jpicformation.wikispaces.com/. Feel free to adapt the prayer to your context.
Mexico
(Oct-02-2009) Good news from the Jesuit-run Centre for Human Rights, Centro ProDH. Doña Jacinta Francisco Marcial, an indigenous woman from Querétaro state who spent more than three years imprisoned on false charges and whom Amnesty International declared a prisoner of conscience, was released from prison on 16 September. Centro ProDH had publicised her cause and fought together with many supporters for her release. http://centroprodh.org.mx/
Press and Information Office SJ
(Aug-19-2009) The news of the whole Society of Jesus is published at regular intervals on the website of the Curia. News from the social apostolate is posted there, so we encourage you to check out this website.
AJAN
(Aug-19-2009) The African Jesuit Aids Network (AJAN) website now has a Spanish portal featuring articles, poems and news about AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa and the work of AJAN. Other languages of the AJAN website are English, French, Portuguese and, occasionally, Swahili.
Latin America
(Jul-30-2009) The meeting of the social apostolate of Latin America and the Caribbean took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia from 6 to 12 July. Close to 60 people participated. The meeting started with a workshop on the spirituality of social action ("Mística de la acción social"). The following days were dedicated to reports from the different sectors, consolidation of the network of social centres and closer collaboration between Fe y Alegría and the social apostolate. Read more here (in Spanish): http://tinyurl.com/m9q5zl
Social Justice Secretariat
(Jul-15-2009) The new website of Promotio Iustitiae, the journal of the Social Justice Secretariat, was launched on 15 July 2009: http://www.sjweb.info/sjs/pjnew/index.cfm?LangTop=1. It includes a search engine, RSS feed, and archive of past issues. You can read the full version as well as the single articles online ("Read online") or offline ("Download pdf"). Subscribe to the newsletter to receive all future issues by email.
Vatican
(Jul-07-2009)
"Caritas in Veritate" (Charity in Truth), the long-awaited encyclical by Pope Benedict XVI, was published today. Click here to read it on the Vatican website.
Philippines
(Jul-07-2009) Fr Xavier Alpasa SJ, the founder of social enterprise www.rags2riches.ph, has been selected as one of 25 international "2009 TED Fellows". The principal goal of the fellowship is to empower innovators from diverse disciplines to effectively communicate their work to the world. Watch the fascinating TED talks ("Ideas worth spreading") on www.ted.com.
Czech Republic
(Jun-30-2009) The first Nativity school outside the United States opened its doors to ten students in September 2008. The new Jesuit school, located in Decín, a city in the northern part of the Czech Republic, made national news in a country where only one per cent of all schools are religious schools. www.nativity.cz
Italy
(Jun-30-2009) The goal of "Empori Solidali Magis" is to build a national network of shops that sell fair trade products coming from projects in the global South supported by Magis Italia and other Jesuit NGOs. The project has two stages: direct marketing to potential buyers (families, associations, religious communities, etc.) through www.emporisolidalimagis.it, email and phone; and opening fair trade shops in Rome and elsewhere in Italy starting in 2010.
Ireland
(Jun-16-2009) The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice launched a social justice unit for schools called 'Why Care?' on Wednesday 13 May. This new web-based unit was developed through collaboration between the Centre and a number of teachers from Jesuit schools. http://www.jcfj.ie/whycare/
Chad
(Jun-16-2009) A special issue of the journal "Tchad et Culture", about the prison system in Chad, has been published in May by CEFOD, the Centre d'Etudes et de Formation pour le développement (Study and Formation Centre for Development). Read the editorial and other articles here: http://www.cefod.org/spip.php?article2078
Mozambique
(Jun-08-2009) Three women from villages around the Jesuit Fonte Boa Mission have been selected, with the support of the Mission, to follow a six months course at the Barefoot College (Tilonia Village, Rajasthan) in India. They will be taught the necessary skills to assemble, keep up and manage a solar energy project.
Cambodia
(Jun-08-2009) A Piti Sangsong Akie, a ceremony before erecting a building, of blessing the land and construction site of the new Jesuit centre in Phnom Penh Thmey, was held on Monday, April 27. Monks from the nearby Wat Somraong Ondaet were invited to officiate at the Piti Sangsong Akie, which was followed by a Catholic blessing. The occasion was an opportunity for the Jesuit Service staff to get to know their future neighbours.
www.jesuitsocialapostolate.org
(May-29-2009) All Jesuits and partners in mission are welcome to utilize this new site, www.jesuitsocialapostolate.org, which seeks to profile the breadth and range of Jesuit social action, analysis and advocacy across the world. Using data from the Universal Catalogue of the Social Apostolate (2008) as a primary source, the website arranges centres by their thematic focus. You may select from among 35 languages and then navigate the data by interactive mapping, keyword search or alphabetical/thematic listing. The site also includes blogging and calendar features for registered users and an easy link for authorized updates, revisions and new additions. Note: a centre needs to maintain a website to be listed.
USA
(May-25-2009) As reported in Headlines 2009-03, Ignatian PeaceAction is calling the Ignatian family to focus on the environment especially during this Easter season. The PeaceAction campaign is closely linked to the Catholic Climate Covenant which was launched on Earth Day, 22 April under the motto "Who's under your Carbon Footprint?". We encourage you to sign the St Francis Pledge here: www.catholicclimatecovenant.org
Spain
(May-25-2009) The public television (TVE) has produced a programme about the role of the Spanish Church in welcoming migrants. The programme reports on the work of the Jesuit centre for migrants "Pueblos Unidos" located in Ventilla, Madrid, as well as on other initiatives, and can be watched here (in Spanish).
United Kingdom
(May-05-2009) On a recent visit to Zimbabwe, the Director of Jesuit Missions (JM) in London offered to fund a vital post for the next two years. Father Tim Curtis SJ spent two weeks in the country, meeting Jesuits working there and assessing the situation. He identified the need to have a local coordinator on the ground to spearhead the Jesuit relief effort. JM has offered to fund a post for two years to make sure this happens.
Canada
(May-05-2009) From 30 March to 2 April, the Province of French Canada and Haiti hosted, for the first time, the Jesuit Commission for Social and International Ministries (JCSIM). The Commission consists of provincial representatives – men and women, lay people and Jesuits - of the ten US and two Canadian Provinces of the Society of Jesus. Fr Fernando Franco SJ represented the Social Justice Secretariat at the meeting.
Italy
(May-05-2009) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, visited Centro Astalli (JRS Italy) in Rome on 23 April. In the soup kitchen he heard the testimonies of ten young Afghans, refugees and asylum seekers. His particular interest was their transit through Greece and the travel costs that they had incurred, as well as their reception in Italy.
Venezuela
(Apr-23-2009) Germán García-Velutini, member of the Fe y Alegría Board of Directors in Venezuela, was kidnapped on 25 February. This kidnapping is part of a wave of violence sweeping through Venezuela. The violence is increasingly affecting Fe y Alegría, the Jesuit educational NGO. In January, eight students and alumni were murdered in the region of El Vigía, and a few days later, another student was murdered in Unión de Petare.
USA
(Apr-23-2009) Fred Kammer SJ is the new director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute, a collaborative project of Loyola University and the Jesuit New Orleans Province. Kammer succeeds sociologist Edward B. Arroyo SJ, the founding director of JSRI and a participant in the Ignatian Advocacy Workshop in Madrid in November 2009. From 1992 to 2001, Kammer was president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, before becoming provincial of the New Orleans province.
Brazil
(Mar-30-2009) In June 2008, Headlines reported on the plight of the indigenous populations of Roraima. On 19 March, after 36 years of non-violent resistance, the court battle for their land was won and days of celebration followed. See the pictures and read a letter by Fernando López SJ here.
Europe
(Mar-23-2009) The Eurojess (European Jesuits in Social Sciences) 2009 congress will take place from 25-30 August in Granada, Spain, under the title "Muslim populations in European Societies". Click here for programme and registration.
USA
(Mar-16-2009) The Ignatian Solidarity Network hosted its 2009 Spring Teach-In in Washington D.C. from 13 to 15 March. The focus was Immigration and Advocacy and the weekend Teach-In is being followed by an Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill today, Monday 16 March.
Kenya
(Mar-16-2009) Following last summer's successful MAGiS'08 event at World Youth Day in Sydney, MAGiS initiatives are springing up in many countries and regions. MAGiS'09 Africa is one - an Ignatian programme for young adults from around the world, held in Kenya and Tanzania from 8 to 21 August.
Australia
(Mar-02-2009) The renewed website of the Faith doing Justice initiative of the Australian Jesuits is online. It spells out the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching: human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity and solidarity, and provides resources on peace, the environment, the death penalty and other topics, many of which can be used beyond the Australian context.
India
(Mar-02-2009) In view of the upcoming General Election in May or June, the South Asian People's Initiatives (SAPI) has met to prepare a People's Manifesto. The workshop was held from 3 to 5 March at the Indian Social Institute in Delhi. Around 100 grassroots activists and movement-based people from all over India participated in this workshop and prepared the manifesto, which will be sent to all political parties.
Conclusions of the Fé’namazônia Pre-Forum
(Feb-02-2009) On 27 January last the Fé’namazônia Pre-Forum ended with an intense and fruitful morning’s work, reviewing and summarising the debate and discussion of the previous two days and indicating paths to be followed regarding possible future developments.
In fact, in the first part of the morning, concluding remarks were shared by the six themed working groups (peace and reconciliation, human rights, political commitment, faith and the future of traditional life in the Amazon basin, environmental issues, religions-churches-movements). These concluding remarks were further elaborated by many interesting comments and suggestions from participants in the debate.
The definitive version of the concluding remarks and recommendations will be available very soon on the Fé’namazônia blog. A preliminary report by Sergio Sala SJ is available here (in Italian).
Letter from CPAL
(Feb-02-2009) Fr Ernesto Cavassa SJ, the president of the Conference of Jesuit Provincials of Latin America (CPAL), has addressed the participants of the Pre-Forum Fé'namazônia through a letter expressing his delight with the choice of place for the World Social Forum, and the choice of topic for the Pre-Forum.
Read Fr Cavassa's letter here.
Read the recent statement "Another World is Urgent" by Ernesto Cavassa here.
World Forum on Theology and Liberation
(Jan-26-2009) At its third edition the World Forum on Theology and Liberation (21-25 January), entitled “Water, Earth, Theology for another possible World”, has as its focus theological reflection on the sustainability of life on earth and its implications for the religions, society and public life as a whole. This is in keeping with the commitment to, and explicit desire for, "another possible world."
Brazil
(Jan-19-2009) On the occasion of the World Social Forum (WSF) in Belém do Pará (north of Brazil) from 27 January and 1 February 2009, the Amazon Region of the Society is holding a pre-forum in Belém do Pará. Between 24 and 27 January, Jesuits and their collaborators as well as other religious orders or groups interested in the topic are going to talk about Religious Faith(s) and the Defence of Life, specifically in the Amazon region. A blog, entitled "Fe'namazônia", which will carry updates, news and curiosities from the Pre-Forum and the Forum has been set up: preforumfenamazonia.wordpress.com
Italy
(Jan-19-2009) SEDOS, the Service on Documentation and Study on Global Mission, and the Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Unions of Superiors General are co-organizing a seminar on "Creation at the Heart of Mission". The seminar will take place in Assisi, Italy, from 12 to 16 May, and will gather over 300 religious from many different congregations around the topic of ecology, including a number of Jesuits. Click here to read more and apply by the end of January.
Vietnam
(Jan-13-2009) On 16 December 2008, the Vietnam Service Office (VS) celebrated the closure of its office on the Ateneo de Manila campus. This event ended more than 30 years of working for Vietnam from the Philippines and one and a half year of transferring the office to Vietnam with the new title "Alberto Hurtado Center for Social and Pastoral Service" (AHC). With new staff, including three young Jesuit priests, AHC is now ready to implement its mission of faith doing justice in Vietnam. Please contact SJS if you would like to make a donation.
Latin America
(Jan-13-2009) The President of the Conference of Latin American Jesuit Provincials, Ernesto Cavassa SJ, has issued a statement reflecting on the current financial crisis and the situation of those who suffer most from it. "Another World is Urgent" takes its title from the motto of the World Social Forum (27 January to 1 February 2009): "Another World is Possible". Click here to read the statement in English.
Brazil
(Dec-12-2008) On the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 10 December, the Brazilian Supreme Court adjourned its important decision regarding the contested demarcation of the Raposa Serra do Sol Indigenous Reservation in Roraima State, Northern Brazil (see Headlines 2008-06). Eight of the eleven judges of the Supreme Court voted to maintain the existing boundaries of the reservation, as requested by Indigenous communities, but one of the judges asked for more time. Therefore, although this first vote is very encouraging, the final pronouncement will only be made in 2009. Read more details in Portuguese.
Read the blog that SJS staff member Giuseppe Riggio SJ is writing from Brazil here (in English).
Spain
(Dec-12-2008) The Jesuit social apostolate delegates of Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean have published a statement on the occasion of 18 December, the International Day of Solidarity with Migrants. The statement condemns a "recent negative trend" in the immigration policies of the European Union, listing five areas of concern on "the fine line between legality and illegality". Read the statement here.
India
(Dec-09-2008) November 26 and 27 have been traumatic for Mumbai, India. The area that suffered from a series of terrorist attacks is also home to the Jesuit St. Xavier's College. In a message sent to the General Curia on November 27, Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas wrote: "Dear friends, as you celebrate Thanksgiving Day today, we join you also in thanking God for His protection to all at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. One of the terrorist targets was the Cama Hospital, which shares a wall with our campus. Through the night we heard loud explosions close by (hand grenades) and gunshots. We witnessed one person being shot motionless and bleeding by the police, right in front of our gate. All around the campus there was bloodshed, including a few police personnel who lost their lives. But the campus remained untouched."
Read Fr Rudi Heredia's reflections on the attacks in our blog.
Poland
(Dec-05-2008) 170 Catholic charities, lead by CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis, are launching a major international campaign called 'Poverty and Climate Justice' on Sunday 7 December at the UNFCCC Conference in Poznan. The main focus of the campaign is support for developing countries who have the least capacity to cope and are most vulnerable to changes in weather patterns, catastrophic storms and other effects of climate change.
Read a report from the Poznan conference by Colomban missionary Sean McDonagh here.
Interactive Advent Calendar
(Dec-05-2008) Advent Theme: An Infinite Horizon of Hope.
This "clickable" Advent Calendar from the Center of Concern's Education for Justice project provides prayer and reflection for each day of Advent. Using global solidarity as our lens, these daily Advent reflections focus on places around the world where glimmers of hope are found even in the midst of struggles and suffering. The Advent Calendar can be downloaded (pps format) by clicking on this news item.
Africa
(Dec-01-2008) Fratern Masawe SJ, the Moderator of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar, called, in his message on the occasion of World AIDS Day 2008 (1 December), for more and better education about the pandemic. This is also the message of a new book by Michael Kelly SJ, Education: For an Africa without AIDS, which can be ordered through books@jesuitaids.net. Read Fr Masawe's message here.
France
(Nov-24-2008) The Jesuit social centre CERAS in Paris is organizing a conference with the title "Migrants, part of globalization" from 9 to 12 February 2009.
United States
(Nov-24-2008) The 11th Ignatian Family Teach-In took place 21 to 23 November in Columbus, Georgia. The annual gathering marks the murder of six Jesuits and two laywomen in El Salvador in 1989 and ends with a vigil and procession at the gates of Fort Benning, the School of the Americas (now WHINSEC), where the soldiers who committed the murders had been trained. This year's speakers included Jon Sobrino SJ and Dan Berrigan SJ.
India: Priest dies as result of Orissa violence
(Oct-31-2008) On 25 August at 10.30 pm, diocesan priest Fr Bernard Digal, the Treasurer of the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneshwar in Orissa state was attacked by an angry mob. He survived the beating despite head injuries and wounds stemming from iron rods on his body. His driver, who had escaped, found Fr Bernard at 4.30 in the morning close to death. He was then brought by the police to a nearby hospital from which, as his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Mumbai and then to Chennai. Fr Bernard died of his injuries on the night of 28 October after struggling for two months.
Donations for victims in Orissa
(Sep-29-2008) The Jesuit provincial of Jamshedpur, Mike T. Raj SJ, writes: “The Jesuits have initiated a lot of collaboration with civil society partners [in Orissa]. In Bhubaneswar, the State Capital of Orissa, the Jesuits run Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), which has a social wing called Centre for Development Research and Training (CENDERET). CENDERET was involved in relief work during a devastating cyclone some years ago and has experience of working along with the civil society groups for relief and rehabilitation. It has its network in many of the affected areas. Details of their accounts are given below.”
FOREIGN FUND TRANSFER DETAILS
Organisation name & address: Xavier Institute of Management, Xavier Square, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar – 751013, INDIA
Contact Person: Fr. P T Joseph SJ, Director
FCRA Registration No.: 1050 20089 Dated 14.02.1992
Bank name & address: Axis Bank Ltd.
Archbishop's House, Satya Nagar,
Bhubaneswar – 751 007, INDIA
Account name: XIM ACCOUNT F.C.R
Account no.: 024010100089690
Swift Code: UTIBIN BB024
IFS code for. Axis Bank: UTIB0000024
Peru
(Sep-29-2008) The pictures on our website were taken at the 10th biannual meeting of the social-pastoral network of Jesuits engaged with indigenous peoples of Latin America. Click “refresh” to see the next picture.
India
(Sep-03-2008) After episodes of violence against Christians over the past months (see Headlines July 2008), the Orissa region is again at the centre of international attention. Attacks and brutality against Christian communities by radical Hindu movements have been reported since 23 August, after the murder of Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda. The aggression has been directed against churches, religious houses and social centres, causing death and severe damage. The violence is ongoing. Check the Jesuits in Social Action (JESA) website for up-to-date information in English and read this article: "Who’s the real Hindu?" (in English).
Brazil
(Aug-14-2008) On the occasion of the next World Social Forum (WSF) in Belém do Pará (north of Brazil) from 27 January and 1 February 2009, the Amazon Region of the Society is planning to hold a pre-forum in Belém do Pará. Between 24 and 27 January, Jesuits and their collaborators as well as other religious orders or groups interested in the topic are invited to talk about Religious Faiths and the Struggle for Life, specifically in the Amazon region. This meeting, entitled "Fe'namazônia", is supported by the Social Sector of the Jesuit Conference (CPAL) and the Social Justice Secretariat in Rome.
Democratic Republic of Congo
(Aug-14-2008) The pictures on this website were taken by the director of the Secretariat, Fernando Franco SJ, during a recent stay in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He attended a meeting on Jesuit advocacy in Africa. Read the related blog here.
Philippines
(Jul-10-2008) After Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) hit the Philippines on 21 and 22 June, the relief efforts of the Jesuits have been aimed especially at the province of Iloilo. Fr. Manny Uy, Vice Superior and Director of the Jesuit works in Iloilo, pleads: "We are in need of food, especially canned goods, clothing, and water." Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan and Ateneo de Manila University are collecting donations in kind and money. This link provides information on how to give: www.jesuits.ph
GC 35: The Decrees!
(Jun-09-2008) The six decrees of the General Congregation are now online. Click here to read about Mission, Identity, Obedience, Collaboration and Governance as well as letters to Pope Benedict XVI and Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach.
Australia
(May-30-2008) Fr Phil Crotty SJ has been appointed Director of Jesuit Mission Australia, replacing incoming Provincial Fr Steve Curtin. Having spent all but five of the last 52 years working in Hazaribag Province, India, Fr Crotty brings a wealth of experience and insight to his task of leading the Australian Jesuits' overseas mission, aid and development work.
Panama
(May-19-2008) The pictures on this website were taken by the director of the Secretariat, Fernando Franco SJ, during a recent stay in Panama. He attended a meeting with representatives of Jesuit Refugee Service and Servicio Jesuita a Migrantes to discuss the future collaboration of these two Jesuit NGOs. The social programme of the meeting included dances by refugee children in Panama. Click "refresh" to see the next picture.
Chile
(May-12-2008) UNICEF and the Jesuit NGO Un Techo para Chile (A Roof for Chile) have concluded an agreement in January through which UNICEF will train and support UTPC staff in the area of children’s rights, especially with regard to violence and sexual abuse within the family and early child development. The activities will benefit 28.578 families living in shanty towns in Chile.
Rwanda
(May-12-2008) A conference on "Constructing the future on the basis of peace, justice and reconciliation" was held in Kigali from 11 to 13 March. It was organised by Jesuits from the Rwanda Burundi region and the Social Secretariat of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JESAM). Read the recommendations of the conference (in French) here and the keynote speeches (in French) here.
Latin America
(May-05-2008) Mirada Global, the online magazine from Latin America, has upgraded its website. Go to www.miradaglobal.com to read articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese written by the people behind the Jesuit magazines Criterio (Argentina), Mensaje (Chile), Cuarto Intermediate (Bolivia), Mirada (Mexico), America (United States), Javeriana (Colombia), Razón y Fe (Spain). New features include video, web feed, surveys, blogs and many others.
Europe
(May-05-2008) The Jesuit European Office (OCIPE) in Brussels launched its new quarterly electronic newsletter on 15 April. The first edition has articles in French and English on a variety of topics broadly in relation to European policy issues, such as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue and Sustainable Development in Africa. Use this link to subscribe: newsletter.ocipe.info.
Colombia
(Apr-28-2008) Fundación Amar y Servir, the umbrella organisation for a number of Colombian Jesuit-run NGOs, has been visited by the Assistant Director of the Austrian province’s “Jesuitenmission” to evaluate co-financing proposals for projects around the country. In addition, Jesuitenmission Austria has agreed to receive and process donations from Colombians in Austria in support of Fundación Amar y Servir.
France
(Apr-28-2008) In September 2008, a second school of production for 15 to 18-year old dropouts will be opened in Lille by the Jesuit province. The first one in Toulouse proved the success of the concept “school-plus-business”, using Ignatian pedagogy and sponsorship by volunteers from the business world. To find out more about the ICAM schools (in French), click here: groupe-icam.fr.
China
(Apr-21-2008) Jacques Chirac, Former President of the French Republic, is the keynote speaker at a conference organised by the Taiwan-based Ricci Institute for Chinese Studies to be held in Shanghai on 25 April. The eRenlai website has the full programme of the event and a beautiful presentation to introduce this first “Sustainable China” forum under the title “Cultural Resources for Sustainable Development”.
Latin America
(Apr-21-2008) The new ‘school’ internet portal (“Portal Mundo Escolar”) of Fe y Alegría, the Jesuit educational NGO, was launched in January: www.mundoescolar.org (in Spanish). It is a multimedial meeting place for students, educators, families, leaders and researchers of educational institutions in Latin America, Spain and Africa. It was created in open source code and includes interactive tools like blogs, forums, wikis and surveys.
Ecuador
(Apr-14-2008) Recent floods have destroyed the dwellings of over 3000 families, according to Jesuit housing NGO, Hogar de Cristo. Read their bulletin (in Spanish), which includes information for dontations, in the Spanish 'Documentos' section of this website.
USA
(Apr-14-2008) The Centre of Concern in Washington, D.C., is offering a website with resources to help people participate actively in the US election campaign as informed and faithful Christians. Topics include immigration, international relations, jobs and outsourcing, poverty, Iraq and security, health care and climate change. Other topics may be developed as the campaigns evolve.
Italy
(Apr-07-2008) In view of the upcoming general elections (13/14 April), 26 Italian organisations and associations, inspired by the Ignatian charism and united under the umbrella of the "Jesuit Social Network", have compiled a list of their 10 main concerns regarding the situation in Italy. The paper touches among others on immigration, mafia, youth, work and poverty. For each topic, the initiative outlines actions to undertake. Read the full document in English in the Documents section of this website. To access the original in Italian, click on "Italiano" on the top and then go to the Documenti section.
Peru
(Apr-07-2008) The superior of the Jesuit community in Ayacucho, Fr Francisco Chamberlain SJ, is among the signatories of a statement in support of poor farmers in the region. The document asserts the rights of farmers and requests action from the authorities to end the situation of extreme poverty in which most of them live. Click here to read the statement (in Spanish).
France
(Apr-01-2008) Pierre Martinot-Lagarde SJ has been appointed special counsellor for socio-religious affairs at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva. He is leaving his post as director of CERAS (Centre de recherche et d'action sociales) in Paris at the end of March.
Latin America
(Apr-01-2008) On 28 March Fr Alfredo Ferro SJ took over the post of Social Apostolate Coordinator for the Conference of Latin American Jesuit Provincials (CPAL), which is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Social Justice Secretariat extends a warm welcome to Fr Ferro and a heartfelt thanks to his predecessor, Jorge Julio Mejía SJ.
General Congregation Flash
(Feb-29-2008) During the last two weeks of the Congregation, a number of people at the top level have been elected who will help Father General in the task of governing the Society. In addition, every day, two new provincials have been announced by Fr General. Quite a backlog had developed in the provinces since all appointments had been put on hold till after the General Congregation, which was announced in 2006.
Four topics are currently being discussed as possible decrees, documents that will guide the Society, whereas a number of other topics (called "ordinary governance issues") will be referred to Fr General and his assistants for implementation. The decrees may possibly deal with issues such as Apostolic Obedience; Governance; Mission and Identity; and Collaboration with Others. The ordinary governance issues include: Ecology and Globalization; Jesuit Brothers; Indigenous People; Communications and Internet; Community; Formation; Migrants and Refugees; and Youth.
Read the daily updates of the final days of GC35, as well as interviews, blogs, reader reactions and prayers on the website of the General Congregation: www.sjweb.info/35
GC Flash
(Feb-15-2008) The delegates have been getting into the flow of work these last two weeks. A first round of presentations and discussions on dialogue and fundamentalism, youth, Africa, Asia, the Roman Houses of the Society, community life, the financial situation, migrants and refugees and apostolic obedience has taken place since 1 February. The issue of governance of the Society has received extensive attention, as have the themes of collaboration with others and mission and identity. Today, a first presentation on ecology and globalisation is being held in the main hall. Read the daily updates at www.sjweb.info/35/ and contribute by sending your thoughts to communication-gc35 and your prayers to prayerroom-gc35.
GC Flash
(Feb-01-2008) The delegates were busy at the beginning of this week with group discussions on Religious Fundamentalism, Youth, Community Life, Communications and the Internet, Formation, Globalization & Ecology/Environment, the Intellectual Apostolate, Vocations and Migrants & Displaced people. Towards the end of the week, they were studying the 'De Statu' (status) of the Society, the pope's letter to Fr Kolvenbach and documents on the governance of the Society.
Fr General has been meeting the people who will be closest to him after his move to Rome: the Curia community, the employees of the Curia (on 24 January), the press (on 25 January), the Pope (on 26 January).
Read short articles about the meetings at www.sjweb.info/35/ > briefs. For more in-depth documentation, homilies and speeches, go to www.sjweb.info/35/ > files. Also, to read more blogs about GC35, go to www.sjweb.info/35/ > blog. All these pages have been prepared by the communications team of the General Congregation. They also invite your contributions:
"Please send your short com
Elections and getting down to business
(Jan-22-2008) Today, the members of the Congregation have elected the Secretary, Fr Mark Rotsaert from Belgium, and his two Assistants (Frs Ignacio Echarte, Loyola/Spain and Thomas Smolich, California/USA) for the rest of their work together. These three members will take charge of the running of the sessions.
A group of members called "Deputatio ad negotia" has also been elected; it is in charge of the presentation of the topics to be discussed: Frs Jean-Roger Pascal Ndombi (West Africa/Cameroon), Ernesto Cavassa (Peru), Arturo Sosa (Venezuela), George Pattery (Calcutta/India), Daniel Huang (Philippines), János Lukács (Hungary), Lluís Magriñà (Tarragon/Spain), François-Xavier Dumortier (France), Frantisek Hylmar (Czech Republic/Bohemia), Thomas Smolich (California/USA). This afternoon, the group has made some first proposals regarding the topics for discussion during the rest of the Congregation.
Society of Jesus
(Jan-07-2008) A special news website for the General Congregation has been put in place in English, French, Spanish and Italian at www.sjweb.info/35. The General Congregation will have its first formal meeting in the afternoon of Monday, 7 January. No press coverage is planned. The first phase of the Congregation (scheduled to last approximately 10 days) will be private and communication about it will be minimal. After the election of the new Superior General, the second phase of the Congregation begins. Daily communiqués are planned.
Kenya
(Jan-03-2008) Post-election violence in Kenya has prompted the Kenyan Episcopal Conference, the Religious Superiors’ Conference of Kenya and Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Nairobi to issue statements which can be found in the Documents section of this website.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Jan-01-2008) Sandie Cornish of the Loyola Institute in Sydney, Australia, has written a discussion guide to help explore the document “Globalization and Marginalization” in detail. The document was published by the Social Justice Secretariat in February 2006. Both publications are available in English on the SJS website: Documents > Jesuit Social Justice Documents.
Spain
(Jan-01-2008) At the Jesuit retreat house in Manresa, from 18 to 20 April 2008, there will be an inter-religious meeting on "Silence, meditation and struggle for justice", organised by the "Iniciativa Cambio Personal, Justicia Global". For more information, write to this address.
Brazil
(Dec-24-2007) Bishop Luíz Flávio Cappio ofm has been on hunger strike for 28 days now with the purpose of convincing the government of Brazil to give up a project to relocate a river with major consequences for the environment but few benefits for the people in the region. The Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Union of Superiors General of men and women religious (USG/UISG), of which the Society of Jesus is a member, has sent a letter of support. More information on how to support this cause: www.umavidapelavida.com.br (Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, English).
Vatican
(Dec-24-2007) Read the Pope's message for World Day of Peace (1 January) on the Vatican website.
Philippines
(Nov-26-2007) The Jesuit-founded Institute for Social Order (ISO) celebrated its 60th anniversary on 19 and 20 July at the Ateneo de Manila University. Now run by lay people, it is one of the oldest social action institutions in the Philippines province. Find out more about the Institute (in English) here: www.iso.org.ph.
Vatican
(Nov-26-2007) From 5 to 12 September, prison chaplains from around the world met for the Twelfth World Congress of the International Commission of Catholic Prison Pastoral Care. Michael Kennedy SJ who wrote a moving account of his work at Pelican Bay prison in Promotio Iustitiae 95, was present at the conference.
Vatican
(Nov-20-2007) From 22 to 24 November, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace is holding the “Second World Congress of the Ecclesial Organisations Working for Justice and Peace”. Fr Peter Henriot SJ from the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection in Zambia will participate in this conference for Catholic organisations accredited to UN bodies.
Japan
(Nov-20-2007) The October issue of the Social and Pastoral Bulletin of the Japanese province which is available online now includes an interesting article on refugees in Japan. Read the full issue here (in English).
United States
(Nov-12-2007) The 10th Ignatian Family Teach-In takes place 16 to 18 November in Columbus, Georgia. The annual gathering marks the murder of six Jesuits and two laywomen in El Salvador in 1989 and ends in a vigil and procession at the gates of Fort Benning, the School of the Americas (now WHINSEC), where the soldiers who committed the murders had been trained. Read this article about last year’s Teach-In: “PRESENT. Symbolic and Meaningful Actions”.
Sri Lanka
(Nov-12-2007) Fr Nicholaspilai Packiya Ranjith, co-ordinator for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Mannar district, was killed by a land mine on 26 September. At Fr Ranjith’s funeral, an estimated 10,000 people were present, including 120 priests and 100 nuns. “As a mark of respect for the late Fr Ranjith, all shops in Mannar remained closed. Never before in the history of Mannar has such solidarity and empathy been shown for a deceased humanitarian worker”, JRS South Asia Advocacy Officer, Paul Newman, reported.
Malta
(Nov-05-2007) The Maltese Jesuits’ Centre for Faith and Justice and the Pastoral Formation Centre are offering a two-year course in Catholic social teaching. The course is for leaders of groups and multipliers in the social, economic, cultural, political and educational field and starts on 7 November. For more information in English and Maltese: www.maltapfi.org.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Nov-05-2007) An online discussion forum has been added to the Social Justice Secretariat's website. From today, you will be able to discuss issues around the upcoming General Congregation 35 and the Social Apostolate by clicking on the "Forum" link in the left hand menu of each language's page. In addition to English, French, Spanish and Italian, discussions will also be held in German.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Oct-31-2007) The pictures on our website were taken by Martin Benko SJ at the European Social Week in Slovakia in August. The 4-day meeting brought together Jesuits involved in social justice work from most European countries. The December 2007 issue of Promotio Iustitiae will contain a number of articles that were a result of this fruitful meeting.
Democratic Republic of Congo
(Oct-31-2007) The coordinator of the social apostolate in Central Africa and director of the CEPAS Jesuit social centre, Muhigirwa Rusembuka Ferdinand SJ, has been invited to be a speaker at an ambassadorial seminar in Washington, DC. The seminar about the Democratic Republic of Congo took place on 11 September and the invitation was issued thanks to the US Jesuit Conference.
France
(Oct-24-2007) The annual meeting of the Social Apostolate in the French Province (GAL) has taken place on 13 and 14 October in Le Châtelard (Lyon). The title of the meeting was “Social expectations and glances of hope”. Find related documents in the French documents section of this website.
World
(Oct-24-2007) The movement to enhance the education of children in poor countries by providing them with computers (One laptop per child, OLPC) will present this project in Rome on October 29. Cardinal Paul Poupard and Professor Nicholas Negroponte (founder of the movement) will be the principal speakers. The Curia Secretariat for Communication is involved in the Rome presentation of the project which, they emphasize, is “an education project, not a laptop project”. The computers are designed for environments where climate conditions and lack of electricity require specialized computer construction technology.
Cambodia
(Oct-16-2007) The vocational training offered by Jesuit Service at Banteay Prieb (Centre of the Dove) for disabled survivors of landmines and polio has received national recognition. The curriculum of the Centre has been adopted as accredited curriculum by all training centres in Cambodia and the Ministry of Social Action is promoting its use among governors and stakeholders in each province.
World
(Oct-10-2007) October 17, World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty: Please sign the Call to Action. The following Jesuits have signed the call so far: Dominique Peccoud (Geneva), Joseph Nguyen Cong Doan (Curia, Rome), Fernando Franco (Curia, Rome), Jakub Gorczyca (Rome), Giuseppe Riggio (Rome), Jacques Gellard (Curia), Luis Ladaria (PUG), Marc Leclerc (PUG), Javier López (PUG), Roland Meynet (PUG). Add you name and let SJS know!
Ignatian Ecology Network
(Oct-10-2007) A letter was sent on 28 September to all provincials and moderators of the Society of Jesus with 2-page fact sheets on Biodiversity, Floods, Landslides, Climate Change, Forests, Desertification, Pollution and Public Health, Catholic Social Teaching, and a longer document on “Our Mission and the Environment” (in French, English and Spanish). Members of the IEN can log in through "Networks" and read all the material there.
Latin America
(Sep-30-2007) The Network for Political Formation and Citizenship of the CPAL (Jesuit Conference of Provincials of Latin America and the Caribbean) now has a website (in Spanish).
Kenya
(Sep-30-2007) On 22 September 2007, Jesuit Hakimani Centre held a Catholic Social Teaching workshop at Hekima College in Nairobi. Participants included members of parish-level justice and peace commissions and young people involved in the Education for Life movement. Many participants felt challenged by the wealth of teachings offered by the Church regarding the everyday political situation
United Nations
(Sep-18-2007) Jesuit Refugee Service lawyer, Dr Katrine Camilleri, was honoured today by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Dr Camilleri, who defends the rights of refugees in the southern European island Malta, received the 2007 UN Nansen Award for her courage and commitment to the defence of refugee rights.
Mexico
(Sep-09-2007) The pictures on our website were taken on a trip to Mexico in June by the director of the Social Justice Secretariat, Fr Fernando Franco SJ. He visited several Jesuit mission stations and parishes in the Chihuahua region, where Jesuits live and work among the Tarahumara indigenous people. He also spoke on “Social Corporate Responsibility in a Globalized World” at the annual meeting of the
International Association of Jesuit Business Schools in Guadalajara.
Spain
(Aug-23-2007) Ceuta, the Spanish enclave in Morocco, will be the venue of a 2-day seminar on “Spirituality – ethics and the fight for Global Justice”, from 28-30 September. The seminar is organised by the initiative “Cambio Personal, Justicia Global” with the support of the Jesuit province of Bética (Spain). Read more here (in Spanish).
Peru
(Aug-23-2007) The Jesuit NGO Fe y Alegría and the Development Office/Procura of the Peruvian province are at the frontline of helping victims of the earthquake in southern Peru on 15th August. In the Pueblo Nuevo area of the city of Chinca, where the majority of inhabitants have lost everything, Fe y Alegría runs a college whose premises are now being used to distribute food, shelter material and essential items. Please help the two organisations providing these goods by giving generously:
Fe y Alegría
Bank: BANCO DE CRÉDITO DEL PERÚ
Address: Esquina Jr. R. Navarrete / Jr. Juan de Arona SAN ISIDRO LIMA-PERÚ
SWIFT: BCPLPEPLXXX
Beneficiary: FE Y ALEGRÍA DEL PERÚ
Account in SOLES: 191-0222222-0-66 FE Y ALEGRÍA DEL PERÚ
Account in DOLLARS: 193-09629067-1-28 FE Y ALEGRÍA DEL PERÚ
Reference: Apoyo terremoto
Oficina de Desarrollo - Procura
Bank: BANCO DE CRÉDITO DEL PERÚ
Address: Esquina Jr. R. Navarrete / Jr. Juan de Arona SAN ISIDRO LIMA-PERÚ
SWIFT: BCPLPEPLXXX
Beneficiary: COMPAÑÍA DE JESÚS PROVINCIA DEL PERÚ
Account in SOLES: 193-1170717-0-22 COMPAÑÍA DE JESÚS PROVINCIA DEL PER
USA
(Aug-13-2007) Staff members at the Jesuit-run University of San Francisco, including the president, deans, and vice presidents, spent a week in Nicaragua in June learning about poverty as part of a leadership-training immersion trip. It was the third such retreat; previous trips were to El Salvador and Tijuana, Mexico.
Latin America
(Aug-13-2007) A new coordinator for the Social Apostolate in Latin America has been nominated by the President of the Conference of Jesuit Provincials of Latin America (CPAL). Fr Alfredo Ferro from Colombia will start his three-year tenure on 10 March 2008, replacing Fr Jorge Julio Mejía who is moving on after four years as coordinator.
Australia
(Jul-27-2007) After 18 years of social justice advocacy and action, Uniya, the Jesuit Social Centre in Sydney, closed its doors on 31 May. "Uniya" is the local name for the first Jesuit mission to Aboriginals on the Daly River in the late 1800s and means "meeting place". The Centre used to provide research, advocacy and public education on matters of social concern to the Australian community, applying principles of Catholic Social Teaching to contemporary social questions.
Vietnam
(Jul-27-2007) The Jesuits of Vietnam Region celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the return of Jesuits to Vietnam (1957-2007) and the establishment of the Vietnam Province on 14 July. Father Thomas Vu Quang Trung has been appointed as its first Provincial by Fr General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach.
Europe
(Jul-07-2007) Fr Brendan MacPartlin (Ireland) has been appointed as Social Apostolate Coordinator for Europe. He is a Senior Lecturer in Employment Relations and Social Ethics at the National College of Ireland and has previously been the Coordinator of the Social Apostolate for the Irish Province.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Jul-07-2007) The SJS website has been receiving an encouraging number of visits. Statistics show that, after the announcement of the launch of the new website at the end of March, its pages have been visited by three times as many people as during the previous month. The launch of the new Documents section in four languages within the next few days will be another cause for celebration.
Venezuela
(Jun-19-2007) A seminar and networking event on the social responsibility of universities has been organised by the Association of Universities entrusted to the Society of Jesus in Latin America (Ausjal www.ausjal.org), from 12 to 14 June. Part of the exchange of experiences is a visit to the Social Park of the hosting university, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, and presentations by the Catholic Universities of Lima (Peru) and Temuco (Chile).
World
(Jun-19-2007) “New Rules for Global Finance” is a coalition of NGOs and religious orders dedicated to the reform of the global financial architecture in order to stabilise the world economy, reduce poverty and inequality, uphold fundamental rights, and protect the environment. We recommend you take a look at their website and consider signing the petition for a leadership selection reform at the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
here.
India
(Jun-19-2007) Increasing violent attacks on Christians in India have led the All India Christian Council (AICC) to publish an open letter to the Prime Minister and President of India on 14 May. Read the more about the ongoing attacks and the full text of the open letter
here.
India
(Jun-13-2007) A historic resolution on untouchability, introduced on 1st May 2007 in the United States House of Representatives, may force multinational companies to have affirmative action for Dalits in employment. Read the submission to US Congress here.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Jun-13-2007) The new pictures on our website have been taken at the Assistancy Coordinators Meeting in Rome, 6-13 May, where Jesuits and lay people met to discuss the role of Social Research in the Society of Jesus and social justice topics for the upcoming General Congregation. Click “refresh” in your browser to see the next picture.
Mexico
(Jun-13-2007) Luis Arriaga Valenzuela SJ is the new director of the Centro de Derechos Humanos Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez in Mexico City. He replaces Luis Arturo Macías Medina SJ who is going on to study at the Gregorian University in Rome. Read about the work of the centre and how you can take action for human rights in Mexico
here.
JRS
(Jun-06-2007) Between 20 and 25 May, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) held its annual regional directors’ meeting in Rome. The nine regional directors attending the meeting guide the JRS work in over 50 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. JRS works with refugees, landmine survivors, survivors of sexual- and gender-based violence, internally displaced people, detainees and other groups of people whose lives have been affected by war and conflict.
Slovakia
(Jun-06-2007) The Social Week in Europe will take place from 24-28 August in Piešt’any (Slovakia). It brings together 70 activists of the Jesuit Social Apostolate from all over Europe. For more information, click
here.
Slovakia
(Jun-06-2007) The Social Week will be followed from 28 August to 1 September by the biannual congress of Eurojess (European Jesuits in Social Sciences) with the title “Facing unemployment. Work and social integration in Europe”.
Ignatian Ecology Network
(Jun-06-2007) A number of postulates addressed to the forthcoming General Congregation deal with environment-related issues. The Social Justice Secretariat has created the Ignatian Ecology Network to inform the members of the General Congregation and the Jesuits at large on climate change and its consequences. Contact sjs@sjcuria.org for more information.
Australia, USA, United Kingdom
(May-28-2007) Masses, rallies and discussion forums on immigration issues and equality in the workplace have taken place in several countries around the feast day of St Joseph the Worker (1st of May). Protesters asked their governments for amnesties and fair wages for immigrant workers and their families.
World
(May-28-2007) "Breaking with Business as Usual: Achieving the Millennium Development Goals" (MDGs) is a new booklet published by Caritas Internationalis et al. to help study and examine the MDGs through the particular lens of Catholic Social Teaching. It can be downloaded here.
Kenya
(May-28-2007) A training for trainers was organised on 3rd May at Jesuit-run Hekima College in Nairobi. The focus of the "Workshop on Catholic Social Teachings, Social Analysis and Social Justice" was on animating groups based on the principles, dynamics and values of Catholic Social Teaching.
Spain
(May-28-2007) The Jesuit province of Andalusia and the Canary Islands (Bética) is piloting a course for Jesuits on “Faith that does Justice – Justice that seeks God”, from 17 to 22 June, inspired by the homonymous issue of Promotio Iustitiae. More information in Spanish can be downloaded here.
Madagascar
(May-21-2007) Father Sylain Urfer SJ, missionary in Madagascar for over 30 years, has been expelled from the island by order of the government. No official reason has been provided for the expulsion but it is assumed that his commitment to social justice as founder of the "Faith and Justice Center" is the real cause. The order was served on May 10, and he was given 48 hours to leave the island.
Brazil
(May-21-2007) The following Jesuits are taking part in the 5th CELAM conference in Aparecida, 13-31 May (see April Headlines): Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio (Archbishop of Buenos Aires), Msgr. Pedro Barreto (Archbishop of Huancayo), Fr Ernesto Cavassa (President of the Conference of Jesuit Provincials in Latin America, CPAL), Fr Mario Franca Miranda (Brasil BRC), Fr Diego Fares (Argentina) and Fr Martinho Lenz (CPAL, as Undersecretary of the Conference).
Vatican
(May-21-2007) The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace is organising the 2nd World Congress of Ecclesial Organisations working for Justice and Peace in Rome from 21 to 23 June. Its theme will be Populorum Progressio and development today.
Peru
(Apr-30-2007) We welcome Fr Miguel Cruzado SJ as the new Coodinator for the Social Apostolate in the Province of Peru.
Brazil
(Apr-30-2007) As part of the “Abril Indigena” (Indigenous April) celebrations in Brazil, a monument to Br Vicente Cañas SJ was inaugurated on 20 April in the city of Cuiabà, Mato Grosso. Vincente Cañas SJ lived with the of Enawene-Nawe tribe from 1974 to 1987. He became ‘persona non grata’ among the local landowners when he got involved in the struggle of the tribe to keep its own land and was subsequently murdered by contracted killers.
Chad
(Apr-30-2007) Antoine Berilengar SJ and Richard Erpicum SJ from the Centre d’Etude et de Formation pour le Développement (CEFOD) visited the Jesuit NGO Entreculturas in Spain and talked about their work. Read the Spanish article about their visit and the situation in Chad here.
Vatican
(Mar-30-2007) The Papal Preacher, Fr Raniero Cantalamessa OFMCap, said in his Lenten Homily to the Pope and his staff on 23 March, that apathetic indifference is a sin against the poor. Read the full homily here: www.cantalamessa.org/en/predicheView.php?id=161
World
(Mar-30-2007) Happy Birthday Populorum Progressio! On 26 March, the Papal encyclical on the progress of peoples turns 40. It includes some statements that sound radical even today. Read or re-read the full text here: http://tinyurl.com/42hft. A version of the encyclical in the current idiom entitled “This is Progress” will soon be available on our website, in the section on Catholic Social Teaching.
Zimbabwe
(Mar-30-2007) On 5th April, the Catholic Bishops of Zimbabwe will publish a “message of hope” stating that “God is always on the side of the oppressed”. The letter invites all the faithful to a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Zimbabwe on 14th April. It will be available in the Documents section of our website after 5th April: www.sjweb.info/sjs.
Social Justice Secretariat
(Mar-13-2007) The website of the Social Justice Secretariat has been re-launched on 7th March with a new design and many new features, including all documents, Headlines and pictures from the World Social Forum.
World
(Mar-13-2007) A new World Bank report on the impact of global warming on developing countries predicts “potentially catastrophic” consequences for some countries (Vietnam, Egypt, The Bahamas).
Vatican
(Mar-13-2007) Cardinal William Levada, head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said in an interview that neoliberalism is not compatible with Catholic social teaching.
India
(Feb-28-2007) Fr. Hector D'Souza has appointed Fr. Xavier Jeyaraj of the Calcutta Province to be the next Secretary of Jesuits in Social Action (JESA). He will take over from Fr Joseph Xavier in June 2007.
World
(Feb-28-2007) Caritas Internationalis and CIDSE have launched a campaign called “Make Aid Work. The World Can’t Wait” in Rome on 8 February 2007. The campaign hopes to engage Catholics throughout the world in speaking out against the injustice of global poverty.
USA
(Feb-28-2007) A conference on “The Future of Catholic Peacebuilding” will be organised by the Catholic Peacebuilding Network from 13 to 15 April 2008.
Mexico
(Feb-28-2007) The Jesuit-run Centre for Human Rights “Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez” (Centro Prodh) of Mexico City has won the prestigious Human Rights Award “Rey de España” which will be awarded on 11 April in Madrid, Spain.
Spain
(Dec-31-2006) 1 to 3 December: The annual encounter of Jesuits active in the Workers’ Mission (Mision Obrera) took place in Zaragoza, Spain. The subject chosen for the meeting was “Communities of Solidarity: the role of the Workers’ Mission”. For more information, see: www.lamiarrita.blogspot.com. (source: Leandro Sequeiros)
United Kingdom
(Dec-31-2006) 26 November: 30 Catholic organisations in England and Wales launched the LiveSimply project. Inspired by Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Populorum Progressio (On the progress of peoples) and the successful MakePovertyHistory campaign of 2005, this new year-long campaign encourages people to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. (source: www.livesimply.org.uk)
Nigeria
(Dec-31-2006) 10 December: A special Mass was celebrated for the repose of the souls of the 60 students at Loyola Jesuit College Karu, Abuja, killed a year ago in an air crash in Port Harcourt. A total 117 people were killed including the 60 young college students. (source: Agenzia Fides www.fides.org)
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