JCCU

James Martin SJ (UEA) shares with us how GC 32 has marked his life in different apostolic fields. The mission of the Society of Jesus today: “the service of faith, of which the promotion of justice is an absolute requirement. For Reconciliation with God demands the reconciliation of people with one another”, has been—from his novitiate to the present day of his apostolic work—the inspiration to walk alongside all those who are excluded.

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.

Bryan P. Galligan, a jesuit, reflects on his research into coral reef fisheries along the East African Coral Coast, where his work began with JENA in Kenya. He studies how sustainable fishing practices enhance both biodiversity and nutritional health in coastal communities. Snorkelling over a recovering reef, Bryan feels encouraged by the positive impact these efforts have on the ecosystem and local livelihoods.

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.

Growing up I learned about the science of how the bay functioned as an ecosystem. I also learned how the bay’s health was damaged by years of pollution, urban and suburban development, and poor environmental policies.

Although we offer these Masses for the migrants and their intentions, I nevertheless find myself being impacted and changed by it. Most especially, I see the moment when we pray the Our Father differently.

I am more than grateful for these extraordinary years, and to the whole JRS family for the love that makes what we do possible.

Luis is from a rural town in Guatemala. He didn’t start school until he was 11 years old and at the time cleaned boots to pay for school fees. Later (at age 13), he started harvesting coffee. Once he was 16, a Christian nonprofit started to help him with the school fees and helped him graduate.

“My name is Roberto. I have a wife and three young children. We are originally from the state of Morelos, Mexico. Our life in Morelos was beautiful. We lived in a small town nestled in the mountains.

Walter (not his real name) comes from El Salvador, is a hairdresser and is gay. In his country, he survived an assassination attempt by the maras, who beat and stabbed him. "I lost everything. But I am alive." He fled his country and arrived in Mexico, where he crossed the Sonora desert.