JCEP

Martin Maier, SJ reflects on his lifelong journey in the Jesuit mission of faith and justice, shaped by encounters with poverty, martyrdom, and global struggle. From formative experiences in El Salvador and the legacy of Archbishop Óscar Romero to supporting refugees in the Balkans and advocating for marginalized communities in India, his vocation deepened through direct engagement with suffering and hope. Through journalism, theological study, and leadership in humanitarian work, Maier highlights the universal mission of the Society of Jesus—building bridges, defending human dignity, and promoting justice inspired by the Gospel and the vision of Pope Francis.

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.

The Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) advocates for sustainable food systems and intergenerational justice in EU policy. Through initiatives like Our Daily Bread and the Future Generations Initiative, JESC pushes for long-term, equitable solutions. Their work aims to address systemic issues and create a more sustainable future.

The Carbon Initiative of the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) helps faith-based organisations advance ecological sustainability through carbon assessments and action plans. Launched in 2022, the JESC Carbon Initiative fosters climate justice and systemic change rooted in Laudato Si' and the 4th UAP.

The PURPAN Lamothe Campus is pioneering agroecological, energy, and food transitions through sustainable farming, research, and innovation. Its hands-on educational approach, cutting-edge technologies, and commitment to biodiversity serve as a global model for transforming agriculture to address environmental, economic, and societal challenges.

Christopher M. Bacon highlights the sad shift from natural agricultural diversity to tobacco monoculture in Nicaragua, highlighting the environmental and health impacts. He advocates for agroecology as a transformative approach to sustainable farming, food security, and climate resilience.

Addressing hope amidst the Palestinian experience is a weighty task, especially when your community is enduring such atrocities.

I am not a specialist on climate matters or, for a matter of fact, on any matter particularly. So how on earth did I become the Ecology Advocacy Officer at the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC)?

At the beginning of this experience, I must confess that it was not easy to see among those lined up the human beings with stories to tell, with dreams and aspirations, with the desire to start living a 'normal' life again, and with friends and relatives left behind who knows where in the world.

Vitaliy Osmolovskyy is a Ukrainian Jesuit who has been in Poland working to support refugees fleeing the war but also combatants on the front lines. He was in Lisbon a few days ago and gave his testimony.