Testimonies

Manuel Hurtado, SJ (BOL), offers a personal testimony on faith, justice, and the reality of practical atheism in Bolivia. Drawing on academic and pastoral work, he shares his encounters with people and their questions directed toward Faith that demands Justice. He says: The wound of practical atheism is real, but it can become an opportunity to proclaim a God greater than our inconsistencies: a God who is not offended by being forgotten, but who strives to return by discreet, often invisible paths. Grounded in GC 32, Ignatian spirituality, and liberation theology, he concludes that faith becomes credible only when embodied in practices of justice and care for life.

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.

As we explore different ways to share the gospel with the world, Sossai E. Lawrence SJ (PATNA) shares his thoughts on Universal Spirituality. He combines elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity in his perspective. Universal Spirituality can lead humanity toward peace, reconciliation, and hope. It emphasizes caring for our shared world, supporting one another, building relationships across different faiths, seeking truth, practicing compassion and mercy, advocating for justice, and working together to find meaning and purpose in life.

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.

Ignatius Ismartono SJ reflects on a life spent "walking with the wounded. His journey has taken him from remote villages to the heart of interreligious conflict, teaching him what it means to be "the other." He witnessed recurring patterns of human suffering: how stigma leads to marginalization and victimization, turning victims into the guilty. Yet, he also saw paths to healing emerging from conflict, where tolerance blossomed into dialogue and collaboration. He says that ministry is about walking alongside people in their most vulnerable moments, allowing their resilience to transform reality.

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.

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.

Fifty years ago, GC 32 was convened. At that time, Fr. Frazer Mascarenhas, S.J. (BOM), had just joined the Society of Jesus. As a young novice, he was introduced to the Society’s radical call to integrate “justice” into its mission of “service of the faith.” His journey, from living in the slums of Mumbai to leading academic reform at St. Xavier’s College, has been shaped by the belief that justice must be lived, taught, and fought for to serve the faith. He has pioneered social involvement programs, challenged systems of exclusion, and opened up Jesuit spaces for interfaith dialogue. Amidst the looming ecological crisis, he urges Jesuits worldwide to view climate justice as the new frontier of faith in action. For Fr. Mascarenhas, the mission of GC32 continues beyond its history.

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.