JCAP

Ignatius Ismartono SJ is the Director of Sahabat Insan (Friend in Humanity), an apostolate for Indonesian migrant workers and victims of human trafficking.

Taking the leap of faith for service twice is a gift and a privilege. I am very happy that I am given this opportunity, and I thank God for my second life after surviving Covid. It feels good to be back with the Jesuits–after so many years–and their spirituality of a faith that does justice.

The UAPs confirm the social apostolate as an important ministry of the Society of Jesus. Besides serving directly people in need, the UAPs also remind us that the path we seek to stand with the poor is one that promotes social justice...

I was touched by their generosity. Despite their hardship they were very generous to us. I felt the need to do something for the poor and IDP children in our neighborhood.

If I had to summarise with a single word what I had just experienced in the Scholastics and Brothers Circle workshop in Taiwan from December 15 to 24, I would say “richness”.

Working for and with the poor and marginalized brings abundant graces but not without challenges and moments of hopelessness and desolation. However, with prayer and dedication, we learn from each other and support one another and find the support of the loving God who leads us on our journey.

Two years ago this March, we installed in our office of the Ecology Program of Jesuit Service Cambodia in Phnom Penh, a solar power system to provide for the electrical requirements of the entire office. With only 3 laptops, 1 printer, 3 fans, a couple of lights for working at night, and the periodic charging of phones and other devices, it isn’t a very big office. Nevertheless, we decided to disconnect the electrical lines of our office from the main building in which we were located and to try, from then on, to be fully dependent on the sun’s radiation.

I am Elba Polanco. At some point in my life, I discovered that serving was one of my passions. I feel I have a sensitivity which allows me to enjoy, when I serve, helping other people. Moreover, my learning to serve was fostered in great measure by seeing my father passionately serving other people; the rest is history, as God has taken care of infusing me with His grace.

“We need to go out then to the ‘outskirts’ where there is suffering, bloodshed, blindness that longs for sight, prisoners in thrall to many evil masters”, and “go beyond the church walls”.

Miyashita Park is a park located in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, a major commercial center. Many people experiencing homelessness have stayed in Miyashita Park in small cardboard or other structures since the late-1990s.