SJES ROME

In Xavier College's social justice week, we remember that a commitment to justice aligns with Jesus’ golden rule – love God and love your neighbour.

This year’s Season of Creation theme, ‘Peace with Creation’, calls us to a profound reflection on the spiritual, relational, and ecological dimensions of peace-making. It reminds us that authentic and lasting peace is not complete without harmony in our relationship with all of creation...

Ignatius Ismartono SJ reflects on a life spent "walking with the wounded. His journey has taken him from remote villages to the heart of interreligious conflict, teaching him what it means to be "the other." He witnessed recurring patterns of human suffering: how stigma leads to marginalization and victimization, turning victims into the guilty. Yet, he also saw paths to healing emerging from conflict, where tolerance blossomed into dialogue and collaboration. He says that ministry is about walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments, allowing their resilience to transform reality.

Catholic Social Justice Sunday reminds us of the breadth of God’s love and concern for us and for our world.In our culture the place of religion and of the Church is increasingly narrowed to our private and individual lives.Faith and justice are then seen to be exclusively about our individual relationship to God and others...

And worst of all, among human beings, those most affected will be, as always, the most vulnerable and poorest in our societies...

In Germany, a ‘wonderful’ illustration of Isaiah 32:14 – “the castle will be forsaken, the noisy city deserted; citadel and tower will become wasteland forever” – is in areas where coal is mined, such as in North Rhine-Westphalia...

This article features Peter Bisson, S.J.’s reflection on the mission of faith, justice, and reconciliation in light of the lasting wounds caused by the Church and government’s colonization of Indigenous peoples in Canada: "I felt it was important for me to be with Indigenous People and to experience shame and vulnerability for our collective responsibility for their suffering. While I felt uncomfortable, I also recognized that my discomfort did not compare to the disruption and violence that Indigenous People have experienced for generations." Through humbling and transformative encounters, Bisson reflects on how General Congregations 32 and 34 deepened his experience of the Spiritual Exercises and his understanding of Jesus as a figure of welcome and reconciliation for all.

The Church will not remain silent. We will continue to raise our voice alongside science, civil society, and the most vulnerable, with truth, courage and consistency, until justice is done...

We are all saddened by his sudden departure. Let us accompany him with our prayers and grateful memories, united with Jesus Christ, our elder brother who died and rose again. He showed us the way to the house of our God, Father and Mother, where we will all be united in true Love forever.

This testimony by Manuel Morujão, S.J. offers a personal and historical reflection on the life and legacy of Father Pedro Arrupe, SJ, highlighting his spiritual depth, visionary leadership, and commitment to faith that does justice. Through vivid encounters and key moments—including the 32nd General Congregation and the founding of the Jesuit Refugee Service—the author portrays Arrupe as a bridge builder between the Ignatian tradition and contemporary challenges. His legacy continues to inspire the Society of Jesus in its mission of reconciliation, hope, and service to the most vulnerable.