Be sensitive and aware of injustices and never allow them to flourish
Hlobo Rampeoane SJ Social Apostolate Coordinator - SAP
Having grown up in the township of Soweto in South Africa where social and economic injustices against the majority of the population was not only the order of the day, but an accepted practice, I became conscious very early in life of the negative impact of unjust policies and practices. I have always been sensitive to socio-economic injustices and the negative impact thereof on society in general. As a young person in our parish, although not aware, the late Fr. Xolile Keteyi SJ helped us through his homilies and catechesis -especially during our preparation classes for the sacrament of confirmation - to make sense of the injustices that were around us at that time. He challenged us as young people, without inciting us, to be sensitive and aware of those injustices and never to allow them to flourish. It was from that early age that one was helped to understand that one’s faith, demanded that we fight and work hard against what is intrinsically evil and unjust. Thus, was my introduction to what I later came to understand as Social Apostolate. It was very early in my teenage years.
Much later, as a Jesuit scholastic, for my regency I was sent to work with JRS where I had to do advocacy work for the forcibly displaced. That together with the experience of the Spiritual Exercises, helped me understand better and deeper what being a man for others meant and how important social apostolate was. The seed that was planted by my former parish priest, was germinating and passion for social apostolate grew more.
In several ways do we experience the presence, support and love on God in our apostolates. It is always in moments where there is appreciation and support of the social apostolate work from both the superiors and companions that one is obviously left with that good experience of the presence of God and deep consolation. During my Regency there was plenty of that good support and interest from the superior on the work that was being done. It was also when those being served, appreciated the service rendered and sincerely expressed their gratitude while simultaneously encouraging one to continue with the service because it was important for the preservation of human dignity and giving hope to the dejected and marginalised. Those would be the moments of consolation worth mentioning.
Sometimes, consolation does coexist with desolation. Moments of desolation have always been there, even in the midst of consolation. One can mention moments when collaboration amongst Jesuits is at its lowest or non-existent. It is very disheartening when egos and personal interest are put before the mission and people refuse to collaborate or even decide that they just going to do their own thing with little care or concern of the rest of the other companions and the people we serve. In those instances, we sadly become like a body tearing itself apart. It is even sad when even Superiors do not intervene to make sure that apostolates are done with the necessary collaboration that is demanded. When personal interests replace the mission and there is strife and pain, those moments really do bring desolation. Consequently, the apostolate is hamstrung. If and when that happens, it becomes an overwhelming moment of desolation.
Despite the desolations, there are a good number of reasons for one to be grateful for. Firstly, one is grateful for the opportunity to serve. Journeying with the marginalised, although not easy, is always a privilege. One is also grateful for being part of a network and a team that cares for human dignity including human rights and the care of our “common home.”
Secondly, to have made a positive impact on the
life of a person whose dignity and rights have been violated is for me one of
the fulfilling experiences for which I am grateful. Being engaged in social
apostolate has offered me an opportunity to make this positive impact in
people’s lives.
It has been a learning curve as well. As one listens to the challenges of others, one gets to learn not only about their suffering but also gets one’s horizons broadened. The challenges of others have made me a better person and a more sensitive person to the needs of others.
