SJES ROME

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT) is an initiative that strives for an international agreement to phase out fossil fuel while ensuring a just global transition for workers, communities, and countries.

Xavier Solai (an extension of Xavier Research Foundation) was established in 2020 by the Jesuits of St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India to promote environmental protection, organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices among the students of St. Xavier and the general public. It is an agro, eco, biodiversity park spread over 25 acres in the college’s property at the Irudayakulam, V.K. Puram, Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli district. It is a response to Pope Francis’ call through Laudato Si to protect our common home.

We're sharing here the Report presented by the Environmental Sciences for Social Change (ESSC) led by our dear colleague Pedro Walpole, who has been the leader of Ecojesuit since 2017. We would especially like to thank Pedro and the ESSC Team for the enormous and extraordinary work done in the animation of the GIAN of Integral Ecology during the last seven years; the report is an impressive display of his creativity and, above all, of their passion for the sacred gift of Creation. As Pedro himself expresses in the presentation of the report, we pray that: “may these times and events that we have all shared be a source of great consolation, courage and hope; Jesus walks with us!” We count on your collaboration and participation in GIAN - Integral Ecology.

This continuation of last week’s article, “Unity in Diversity -– God’s Way of Farming” highlights the Jesuit Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre’s (KATC) active involvement in the Seed and Knowledge Initiative (SKI), focusing on agroecology’s pillars of social justice, environmental protection, and economic viability. It explains the SKI Community of Practice, and its promotion of Indigenous seeds, biofertilizers, and local markets, while also addressing the development of responsible governance structures. As SKI steadily grows into a movement led by farmers, it aims to strengthen sustainability, foster collaboration, and drive positive change through local initiatives and youth leadership.

The Season of Creation, celebrated from September 1 to October 4, unites Christians worldwide in prayer and action to protect the Earth. This year’s theme, "To hope and act with Creation," calls for faith-driven hope and concrete actions in response to environmental crises. The season also supports the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, advocating for a halt to new fossil fuel projects. Resources for participation are available online.

The Justice in Mining network has advanced efforts to protect communities affected by mining. Key achievements include stronger collaboration among 22 Jesuit institutions, documenting crucial case studies and advocating for corporate accountability as demand for critical minerals grows.

The Central American Province of the Society of Jesus marks the first anniversary of the Nicaraguan government's confiscation of the Central American University, condemning the violation of education rights and academic freedom. They call for an end to repression, the release of political prisoners, and a return to dialogue and justice.

Chain-smoking, dishevelled, even hearing confessions in a bar: Fr. Martin Royackers, SJ, never ceased to amaze. According to several sources, he rarely made a good first impression. Yet this Canadian Jesuit with a razor-sharp mind was a strong advocate for human rights, deeply committed to social justice, and firmly rooted in his relationship with God.

Our common home, the earth, is sick. The pain of environmental damage is not a result of the earth’s will to harm itself but a consequence of human mismanagement of creation.