October, 2024

Fr Roberto Jaramillo SJ, Secretary for Social Justice and Ecology (SJES) of the Society of Jesus in Rome, was in Jakarta recently. His visit provided an opportunity for dialogue with about 40 staff members of Sahabat Insan, the Jesuit centre for migrant workers. Their conversations centred around Laudato sí’s recommendation, paragraph 63: exploring local cultural wealth to develop an ecology capable of addressing the damage done to the Earth.

The worldwide Ignatian community came together to issue a Global Statement reinforcing climate justice commitments and outlining three crucial demands for COP29 and COP30: an effective Loss and Damage Fund, Debt Cancellation for climate efforts, and a Just Energy Transition. This Global Statement was endorsed by numerous individuals and institutions, such as the Presidents of the six Jesuit Conferences, numerous Provincials and their Socii, the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network on Ecology (Ecojesuit), the Social Justice Ecology Secretariat in Rome, and hundreds of dedicated members of the Ignatian Family. Sign the Global Statement now and call for change!

MEXICO CITY (OSV News) -- An Indigenous Tzotzil priest and peace activist was murdered after celebrating Sunday Mass in Mexico's southern Chiapas state, where the Catholic Church has denounced government inaction in the face of rising violence. Father Marcelo Pérez, who ministered in Indigenous regions rife with territorial conflicts and later denounced drug cartel violence, was shot dead Oct. 20 by two assailants on a motorcycle as he drove away from the Guadalupe church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, according to Mexican media reports.

The Arrupe Migrant Centre at the Jesuit Church of Saint Joseph has also opened its doors to migrants looking for a place to stay after being refused access to the collective shelters. Mattresses are piled out on the ground and offices have been turned into bedrooms to provide a temporary sanctuary to those in need.

The Season of Creation was also marked by the advocacy efforts of many communities, especially in East Africa, where the faithful struggle against the injustice caused by fossil fuels. As part of the Global Day of Action for the Non-Proliferation of Fossil Fuels Treaty on September 21, numerous events were held, such as this one in Abuja, Nigeria. An “inspirational event”, in which young people, children and adults participated.

In early October, delegates from various provinces and regions convened at Kampoeng Media in Yogyakarta for a transformative four-day conference focused on the Jesuit social apostolate. Keynote speaker Julie Edwards set the stage by discussing the evolution of social ministry within the Society of Jesus, referencing the establishment of Global Ignatian Advocacy Networks since a pivotal 2008 meeting in Spain. Fr. Benny Juliawan explored the implications of the digital economy, highlighting both the opportunities and precarious conditions it creates for workers, while JCAP President Fr. Jun Viray emphasized the need for greater collaboration among ministries and external organizations. The conference concluded with participants engaging in reflective exercises, yielding powerful metaphors—such as bridges and gardens—to represent their collective vision for the future of JCAP’s social ministries.