Canadian Jesuits International

CJI Event: Fr Fratern Masawe at Calagary

2012-01-19T10:01:00.001-05:00

Africa: A Continent of Hope

Fr. Fratern Masawe SJ

Former Jesuit Superior of Africa-Madagascar, will be speaking on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 7:00-9:00pm at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219-18th Ave. S.W., Calgary).

The talk will be followed by a reception at St. Mary’s Parish Hall. All are Welcome!

In the 1960s most of Africa was richer than Asia; beset by conflict, debt and corruption, today Africa has some of the poorest countries in the world! What went wrong? Where is the hope? Fr. Fratern Masawe SJ speaks of justice and peace in Africa and how the Church brings hope to the people of this great continent.

To register, please contact the Social Justice Office at 403-218-5519 or e-mail jana.drapal@calgarydiocese.ca.

Download the Flyer

KATC featured in Ecology and Jesuits in Communication

2011-11-24T10:58:00.000-05:00

Empowering rural communities in Zambia: Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre

October 24, 2011

Self-made tools: a solar cooker out of cardboard and glass. Photo Credit: Jörg Alt, SJ

Paul Desmarais, SJ
Developing local strategies to conserve environmental resources, and providing lifelong education in sustainable farming: these are the central tasks of the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) in Zambia. Situated about 300 km northeast of Lusaka, Zambia’s capital and largest city, the Centre retrains rural subsistence farmers in organic agriculture. Operated by members of the Society of Jesus, KATC follows its mission to empower rural communities to improve their livelihoods through research, training, extension courses, cooperative development and market linkages.Read on

Fr Fratern Masawe SJ speaks about justice and peace in Africa

2011-11-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

FORGING LINKS BETWEEN THE JESUITS IN AFRICA & NORTH AMERICA

2011-09-16T10:46:00.001-04:00

FORGING LINKS BETWEEN THE JESUITS IN AFRICA & NORTH AMERICA

Fr Joseph Kiarie SJ, a graduate student in education in Boston from the

Jesuit Eastern Africa Province, addressing the meeting.

The desire for closer partnership between Jesuits in Africa and their companions in the US and Canada emerged during a meeting held earlier this year for African Jesuits studying in North America. Thirty-seven Jesuits from 16 African countries gathered at Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore from 26 to 29 May for the meeting organised by the US Jesuit Conference.

Sharing their hopes and expectations of the meeting, the participants said they wanted to commit ourselves to the future of the Society of Jesus in Africa. To this end, they wanted to share their challenges and to strengthen their friendship and partnership for this mission and to explore ways through which the Jesuits can contribute to the development of the continent.

The participants listened to presentations by, among others, the Presidents of the US and African Jesuit conferences – regional coordinating bodies of Jesuit provinces –, Frs Tom Smolich and Michael Lewis respectively. As they listened and discussed, they sought ways of working together to tackle the challenges faced by the Society of Jesus in Africa. Areas of challenge mentioned included: governance and leadership; education and human development; social justice, peace and democracy; ethnic and political tensions; healthcare, especially HIV/AIDS, malaria; the environment; dependency on external funding for Jesuit ministries.

Three key directions emerged in the meeting: fostering mutuality; encouraging visits of US and Canadian Jesuits to Africa, strengthening collaboration. Concretely, the participants discussed how to convey a positive image of Africa abroad and how the African Jesuits could use their time in North America to raise more awareness about Africa’s realities among American Jesuits.

All that glitters is not gold

2011-09-16T10:44:00.003-04:00

Global Jesuit effort to promote just mining practices


DRC: Artisanal miners carrying copper and cobalt to sell to a middleman. (Emmanuelle Devuyst/RPAN)

The Jesuits of Africa, Europe and the US are promoting corporate social responsibility in the mining sector of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through an effective advocacy triangle. The idea of joint advocacy for Africa emerged during a social apostolate workshop in 2005, and the Relational Peace Advocacy Network (RPAN) was born in 2007, composed of the Jesuit Centre of Studies for Social Action (CEPAS) in Kinshasa, the office of Social and International Ministries of the US Jesuit Conference in Washington, and the Jesuit European Office (OCIPE) in Brussels. Fr Fratern Masawe SJ, then head of the Jesuit Assistancy of Africa and Madagascar, asked that the focus of this pilot project be the DRC.

John Kleiderer, Policy Director at the US Jesuit Conference, recalls how a visit to the DRC clarified the project objective: “Together with the Congolese Jesuits, we discerned that the overall goal was peace and economic development and, more specifically, to focus on the role of extractive industries, both as holding significant potential for development and as being the cause of so much suffering and death in the country.” The DRC is immensely rich in natural resources including diamonds, cobalt, copper, tin and tantalum; mining has led to, sustained or hindered the resolution of armed conflict, human rights abuses and other evils.

Canada is the largest non-African investor in the mining industry of the DRC with an estimated 15 conglomerates operating there. Some Canadian companies, like other multinationals, have been accused of taking the mineral resources of the DRC and of complicity in its civil conflict, often described as a scramble for those resources. In one case, Anvil Mining Ltd is facing legal action in a Montreal court, filed in late 2010 by an association representing Congolese citizens. More than70 civilians were allegedly killed by Congolese troops when they recaptured the town of Kilwa in 2004; Anvil Mining is accused of providing logistical support to the military, but “denies culpability”.

Chris Albin-Lackey of Human Rights Watch has written about the failure of the Canadian government to regulate the conduct of its “corporate citizens abroad”. In early 2011, he said: “Companies, especially in the extractives sector, need help to operate responsibly in troubled and poorly-governed countries.” Each in their way, the RPAN partners further corporate social responsibility in the mining sector in the DRC.

In the country itself, CEPAS has just opened a branch in the copper-mining city of Lubumbashi. In collaboration with the national Bishops’ Conference, the Jesuit centre focuses on research, publications and seminars. An active voice in civil society, Fr Ferdinand Muhigirwa SJ, CEPAS Director, participated as observer in a government review of previously negotiated mining contracts; CEPAS published a report about the process. Advocacy aims of CEPAS include: a standard contract for all mining transactions; the publication of re-negotiated contracts; explaining the 2002 Mining Code of the DRC in simple terms to the public; a map identifying mining sites; procedures to trace and certify minerals; ending the financing of armed groups through minerals; respect for human rights by armed groups and the Congolese armed forces; reform of the latter; organising artisan miners into cooperatives and defending their interests. Progress is being achieved: the Congolese government has just announced that it will publish all natural resource contracts within 60 days of their coming into effect.

Through RPAN, the US Jesuit Conference and OCIPE build on the work of CEPAS by conducting research and raising awareness; by lobbying for just laws; by linking Fr Ferdinand, other Jesuits and colleagues from the DRC with NGOs, with international agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the US State Department, with members of the European Commission and Parliament, and with multinationals trying to secure “clean” minerals for their products. They also advocate for the socio-economic wellbeing of communities near mining areas.

One such area in Lubumbashi houses the world’s largest cobalt smelter. Its main owner is OM Group, one of two publicly owned US-based companies that have operations in the DRC. John visited the site of the smelter and described it as “very dangerous” for nearby villagers, including children, who scavenge by hand the material outside the smelter’s walls. The US Jesuit Conference decided to make a difference through faith-based investment. “US provinces purchased shares in OM Group and we’ve been trying to work with the company to develop, adopt and implement a human rights policy,” says John. The other US-based company, Freeport McMoRan, has purchased the world’s largest copper concession just outside Lubumbashi. “There are villages located on the concession and the company has had to relocate some people but they are making a good-faith effort to act responsibly, both environmentally and socially,” continues John. “Together with other faith-based investors, we meet this company regularly to discuss community development initiatives, security concerns and related issues.” The Toronto-based Lundin Mining Corp. has a stake in TFM.

John and his team have also been following up the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform. This sweeping law passed in July 2010 includes a provision regarding four “conflict minerals” from the DRC: any US-registered company using these minerals sourced from the DRC must be able to trace the origin of the minerals to ensure they are not purchased from armed groups. “Many products sold by US-based companies contain processed material that originated in the DRC, such as cell phones, computers, cars, digital cameras and many others,” says John. “After the law passed, we have worked with a coalition of NGOs, investors and companies to make recommendations of how the regulations should be written. All this was done in concert with CEPAS.”

Washing copper and cobalt in Luisha, a former industrial mine.

A village of tents, home to the miners, has been erected around the site.

(Emmanuelle Devuyst/RPAN)

Most of this work is achieved through coalitions, which is largely true for the contribution of OCIPE too. At European Union (EU) level, RPAN advocates with others for corporate social responsibility; transparency in states’ access to and management of natural resources; coherence between EU trade and development policies. One avenue is the possibility that the EU adopt regulations similar to the Dodd-Frank Act. The RPAN project manager, Emmanuelle Devuyst, is based at OCIPE. She visits the DRC regularly, attending CEPAS workshops and conducting field research on mining companies in the mineral-rich Katanga Province, to inform the intensive regional and international advocacy of RPAN. Her research includes meetings with companies, workers, civil society, and representatives of political parties and local authorities.

John describes RPAN as a “great partnership” which could serve as a model for future collaboration: “This is the Society of Jesus really taking advantage of its presence and resources across the world.” Emmanuelle agrees: “RPAN reflects the good side of globalisation. We can make things better by working together.”

East Africa Update

2011-09-09T14:04:00.000-04:00

SOMALIA

Women and children suffer the most as famine spreads

Even as the UN announced that famine had spread to more areas in south-central Somalia, reports from the capital, Mogadishu, indicate that the suffering of the drought-displaced, mostly women and children, was increasing, with reports that government forces and Al-Shabab militia were hampering aid distribution in areas under their control. "The situation is such that most of those reaching Mogadishu are mainly women and children because most of the men have remained in the Al-Shabab-held areas since they fear being arrested by government forces for allegedly being pro-Al Shabab," Su'di Mohamed Ali, director of administration and finance in the Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs, told IRIN. Read more

Somalia famine and international response

The pictures of starving Somalis are back. Not since the horrific famine and infamous Black Hawk down incident of the early 1990s has a Horn of Africa country dominated so much attention. Last month the UN declared a famine in parts of southern Somalia, with the whole of the south sure to follow soon unless the international community steps in. The UN estimates over $300 million is necessary in the next two months to combat the crisis. Read more

ETHIOPIA

Children bear brunt of Somali refugee crisis

Somali children are the biggest victims of the refugee crisis in the Horn of Africa, according to the latest profiling data collected by UNHCR in Ethiopia. The most recent demographic breakdown of the Somali influx into Ethiopia shows that children under the age of 18 are the largest age group among refugees. Overall, they account for some 80 per cent of the 121,000 refugees sheltered in four camps in south-eastern Ethiopia’s Dollo Ado region. The situation is most extreme in the Kobe camp, where children comprise 88.6 per cent of the camp’s over-25,000 population. Read more

KENYA

Dadaab - locals vs. refugees

Dadaab, about 80km from Somalia in Kenya’s arid Garissa region, has been drawing in refugees for more than two decades, throwing up complex problems that fuel Kenya’s frustration at having handled more than its share of the “Somalia problem”, says Badu Katelo, Kenya’s acting commissioner for refugee affairs. Somali refugees outnumber locals in Dadaab by a quarter of a million at least. The three camps – Hagadera, Dagahaley and Ifo – designed for 90,000 people, now host approximately 440,000 refugees, 150,000 (all Somalis) of whom have arrived in the past three months, says the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR. Read more

Border town feels huge pressure

As Somali refugees continue to pour into Kenya, pressure is mounting on the government to quickly re-open a transit centre to not only ease their hardship but to take pressure off residents of Liboi, a border town closest to Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee complex. Kenyans hosting the new arrivals, donors, human rights organizations and aid agencies have been leaning on the Kenyan authorities to assist the refugees with food and medical help, and to resume screening them for security threats. Read more

The nitty-gritty of flight

The vast number of people fleeing famine and drought in Somalia for neighbouring Kenya overshadows the fact that each journey begins with a tough decision to leave that is prompted by specific events and is followed by a series of more mundane choices, such as what to pack.IRIN recently discussed the details of their flight with several families on the Kenya-Somalia border. “We have been experiencing droughts since 2008, 2009,” explained Abdullahi Ahmed, as he sat under a tree with his family in the Kenyan town of Liboi, after a 300km journey. They had walked from their village outside Baidoa - a town controlled by Al-Shabab militia in the Bay region – where he grew cash crops and raised livestock. Read more

HORN OF AFRICA

Tough lifestyle changes as food prices continue to increase

Drought, poor rains and continuing high fuel prices have combined to keep food prices in East Africa high, with consumers forgoing basic staples and many traders being forced to shut down their businesses. IRIN spoke to residents from Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi for a sense of how the rising cost of living was affecting them. Read more

2011-08-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

East Africa Emergency

2011-07-27T16:40:00.000-04:00

JRS Urgent Appeal is sent periodically to help raise resources for emergency responses in the field.

Eastern Africa: appeal for Somalis

JRS teams in Nairobi and Kakuma camp currently respond to the needs of 12,500 vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees

JRS is in advanced negotiations with the UN refugee agency UNCHR to begin providing psychosocial and education services in Dollo Ado camp, now hosting more than 100,000 Somalis.

Nairobi, Rome, Washington DC, 25 July 2011 – In the midst of one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent times affecting the Horn of Africa, the Jesuit Refugee Service has announced plans to step up ongoing work for Somalis in Ethiopia and Kenya, and establish new services in the former.

"We have been serving Somalis for many years and are aware of their needs. We are preparing to help increased flows of traumatised survivors restore normality to their lives. This is a long-term commitment, as psychosocial and education services are key to helping bring stability to refugees' lives. As our budget is already stretched, we urge the public to help us out in whatever way possible", said JRS Eastern Africa Director, Frido Pflueger SJ.

Years of conflict and sporadic droughts have displaced nearly two million Somalis and the figures are rising quickly. By 20 July, this year, more than 120,000 Somalis had fled into Kenya and Ethiopia. This month as many as 3,000 have been arriving daily into the two countries. Some 11 million people are believed to have been affected by the worst drought in over half a century. If action is not taken immediately, famine will spread to the rest of southern Somalia.

"While the number of Somali refugees served by JRS at the moment is relatively low, the types of services offered, such as counselling, are resource intensive. Notwithstanding, if, as expected, JRS begins offering education services in Dollo Ado camp in Ethiopia, this number will increase dramatically. We are now seeking resources for this new intervention", continued Fr Pflueger.

Causes

The current crisis is the consequence of three overlapping and intersecting problems: extreme climate-induced drought; the lack of a functioning central government in Somalia; and the inability of aid agencies to gain access to south central Somalia controlled by the al-Shabab militant group. This is compounded by rising food prices throughout the region, hurting already vulnerable populations with further devastating losses.

Countries in the region are putting measures in place to cope with the situation. Kenya recently announced the extension of one of three Dadaab camps for new refugees; while Ethiopia is currently expanding the Dollo Ado camp in the southeast of the country.

However, there are limits to what these countries can do, already seriously affected themselves by the drought. There are currently more than 750,000 Somali refugees living in eastern Africa, mostly in Kenya and Ethiopia. Unless the international community can deliver humanitarian aid inside Somalia, Somalis are likely to continue suffering at home and fleeing, where possible, to neighbouring countries.

JRS in Kenya

JRS teams in Nairobi and Kakuma camp currently respond to the needs of 12,500 vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees, offering educational support, food and non-food items and financial, medical and psychosocial assistance, including the training of counsellors and mental health workers. Women facing gender violence also find protection at the JRS safe haven.

JRS projects are seeing large of Somali in both Kakuma camp and Nairobi; now nearly 100,000 between both places. These mainly single mothers face particular difficulties due to large family size and the lack of support networks. Traumatised by conflict, gender violence and in need of culturally specific services, Somali refugees are being provided with intensive counselling and educational support. Without assistance, they and their children face destitution.

Situations like this have become very common in Somalia. Hassan (not his real name) fled Somalia at 10 years of age after his parents were killed and his sister kidnapped by gunmen looking for food. After days of travelling on foot and then fortunately by boat, he finally escaped Somalia. Hassan is now in Kakuma.

"JRS teams are also welcoming families fleeing the forced recruitment of their children, some seriously disfigured; for instance, one 16-year old boy had his hand amputated after he refused to join al-Shabab. Other families have had to take longer routes to avoid al-Shabab, consequently their children die from hunger or face exploitation at the hands of people posing as good Samaritans", added Fr Pflueger.

JRS in Ethiopia

JRS teams currently assist nearly 4,000 vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in Addis Ababa, providing educational, recreational, training and psychosocial support services, as well as emergency assistance

So far the number of Somalis arriving into Addis Ababa has remained relatively constant, but JRS teams are making contingency plans to increase support for an influx into the programme. JRS is in advanced negotiations with the UN refugee agency (UNCHR) to begin providing psychosocial and education services in Dollo Ado camp, now hosting more than 100,000 Somalis.

Notes:

JRS works in more than 50 countries around the world. The organisation employs over 1,200 staff: lay, Jesuits and other religious to meet the education, health, social and other needs of 500,000 refugees and IDPs, more than half of whom are women. Its services are provided to refugees regardless of race, ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

For further information contact

James Stapleton,
Communications Coordinator
Jesuit Refugee Service (International Office)
Tel: +39-06 68977468 Fax: +39-06 6897 7461
Email: international.communications@jrs.net; www.jrs.net

JRS Urgent Appeal is sent from the International Office of the Jesuit Refugee Service, CP 6139, 00195 Roma Prati, Italy. Tel: +39-06 68977468; Fax: +39-06 6897 7461; Email: dispatches@jrs.net; JRS online: http://www.jrs.net; Publisher: Peter Balleis SJ; Editor: James Stapleton; Translation: Carles Casals (Spanish), Nicole Abbeloos (French), Simonetta Russo (Italian).

Urgent Appeal
Editor: James Stapleton
Online: unscbscribe

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RFP for Web Redesign

2011-06-15T16:07:00.001-04:00

Request for Proposal

Web Redesign

www.canadianjesuitsinternational.ca

Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is the relief and development agency of the Jesuit Province of English Canada. Presently, we support education, pastoral care, community development, agriculture, emergency relief, peace-building and human rights programmes in South Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Leveraging the extensive network of Jesuits and our global partners, we raise awareness among Canadians about the struggles and aspirations of people in the developing world.

In view of our growing needs in the spheres of communications, educational advocacy and awareness-raising, we are inviting proposals for the redesign of our website. Our goal is to strengthen the web presence of CJI with state of the art design, functionality and user experience while at the same time keeping the ‘simplicity’ of our approach. The overall purpose of the website is to share information about CJI, our partners’ work around the world, the people they work with, and the countries/regions where they are, and also the impact of Canadian/international policies on those regions.
The redesigned website must have the following features:

A simple uncluttered approach that is pleasing to the eye
The use of large photos & of maps indicating “where we are”
Conformity with the style book, color palettes, of CJI printed publications
Quick to load and operate
Works on all browsers including mobile devices
Efficient handling of images and multimedia
Easy and intuitive navigation
Easy to maintain and update content
Conforms to W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Ability to handle online forms, polls, donations
Incorporate social media FB, Twitter, Blog, YouTube etc.
Mailing list for newsletters and appeals
An archive for CJI printed publications and other material

Interested parties may submit the following documentation to be considered for this call for proposals.

An analysis of our current site and the highlights of the proposed redesign
A project plan outlining all key deliverables and timelines
A description of your firm and individuals that will be working on this project
Overview of your past experience and links to samples of your work
An itemized budget

The deadline for receipt of the proposal is 4 pm July 15, 2011. The proposal and all questions related to this RFP may be sent to skangapadan@jesuits.ca under subject “RFP: Web Redesign”.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to make a presentation to the web redesign committee. The final award will be based on the merit of the application and any other information gained from the presentation. We thank all applicants, however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

CJI Event

2011-06-03T11:55:00.001-04:00

EDUCATION IN AFRICA:A FAITH THAT DOES JUSTICE

A discussion at Canadian Jesuits International, Toronto, Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Jesuit Fathers Valerian Shirima and Michael Schultheis speaking about their experience of setting up schools and universities in several countries across Africa and about the role of education in building democracy, reconciliation, peace and justice in the region.

Fr Michael Schultheis SJ is a Jesuit from the Oregon Jesuit Province in the U.S. who has been working in Africa for over 40 years. Devoted to higher education, Fr Schultheis was the first President of the Catholic University of Ghana, and is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Sudan.

Fr Valerian Shirima SJ is a Tanzanian Jesuit, who has previously served as Provincial of the Eastern Africa Jesuit Province and as Moderator of the Jesuit Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (JESAM). Fr Shirima’s work, since becoming a Jesuit in 1970, has focused on education and pastoral work. He is currently on sabbatical in Toronto.

CJI news

2011-05-17T14:24:00.000-04:00

DRUGS BILL DISAPPOINTMENT

The African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) joins CJI in expressing dismay that a bill approved by Canadian MPs to ease the export of generic drugs to developing countries has come to nothing.

On 9 March the House of Commons voted in favour of a draft law that would have cut through the red tape currently strangling Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime (CAMR). Before the bill could get the necessary go-ahead of the Senate, the government fell on 25 March and an election was called. Like all other pending bills, the drugs law died.

Hearing the news of the initial approval of the bill, Fr Paterne Mombé SJ, AJAN Director, had applauded “this important step”, all the more pivotal at a time when many HIV+ patients in sub-Saharan Africa are unable to get life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

But joy soon turned to sadness when political events in Canada killed the bill. “It was with relief and joy that AJAN received the information that Canadian MPs had voted for a bill that aimed to make essential drugs accessible and affordable for developing countries,” said Fr Mombé. “It is unfortunate and sad that finally the bill did not become law. It would definitely have made a difference in resource-constrained settings.”

The AJAN Director said the experience of Jesuit AIDS ministries shows that in spite of efforts to make ART available to a greater number of people, “access remains very weak”. Only 37% of those eligible to receive ART were able to access it in 2009.

Pat Evans, of the National Advocacy Committee of the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, said: “Many bills died when the election was called, but for those of us who have worked hard knowing what a potential contribution Canada could have made to helping more people come on treatment, the death of this bill is nothing short of tragic.”

Under Canada’s current system, it is unbelievably complex to sell cheaper versions of patented drugs to developing countries. A two-year licence must be obtained each time such a drug is exported to a country. Many say the daunting process is preventing drugs from reaching those who need them. According to Ms Evans, since 2004, when the CAMR was approved by Parliament, only one order of one drug to one country, Rwanda, has been filled. The bill approved by MPs in March would have allowed generic drug companies to fill multiple orders of the same medication to different countries under one licence and to lift the two-year time limit.

Easing the process would have helped to bridge the “growing gap in the AIDS response” in Africa where most governments are “still far” from funding AIDS treatment, said Fr Mombé. “Thirty years after the beginning of the pandemic, Africa is still bearing its heavy burden without a clear plan and capacity to bring AIDS under control.”

The Jesuit from Central African Republic said many of his colleagues were witnessing a decline of interest in and funding for AIDS. “Many international organisations have been forced to stop their interventions and to refer their patients to governmental institutions, which barely have the means to support them,” he said. “The patients must face the high cost of treatment and this is usually way beyond their reach. Many stop their treatment and some turn to traditional healers.”

People who start and stop ART risk the emergence of resistances to the most commonly used and available drugs, a predicament on the rise in Africa. To survive, such patients must move from one line of treatment to another and then to third-line therapy, unavailable in many African countries.

CJI Event - EDUCATION IN AFRICA: A FAITH THAT DOES JUSTICE

2011-04-19T09:16:00.000-04:00

Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) invites you to

EDUCATION IN AFRICA:

A FAITH THAT DOES JUSTICE

A discussion with Jesuit Fathers Valerian Shirima and Michael Schultheis, on the role of education in building democracy, peace, reconciliation and justice in Africa.

Fr Valerian Shirima SJ is a Tanzanian Jesuit, who has previously served as Provincial of the Eastern Africa Jesuit Province, and President of the Jesuit Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (JESAM). Fr Shirima’s work since becoming a Jesuit in 1970 has focused on education and pastoral work. He is currently on sabbatical in Toronto.

Fr Michael Schultheis SJ is a Jesuit from the Oregon Jesuit Province in the U.S. who has been working in Africa for over forty years. Devoted to higher education, Fr Schultheis was the first president of the Catholic University of Ghana, and is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Sudan.

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011

6:30 – 8:00PM

Canadian Jesuits International

70 SAINT MARY ST, TORONTO

(LORETTO COLLEGE - Two blocks south of Bloor and a few steps west of Bay St.)

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

RSVP: SUZANNE (416) 465-1824 or E-mail: cji@jesuits.ca

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Asia Pacific: International Mine Action Day brings awareness to plight of survivors

2011-04-04T13:32:00.000-04:00

Phnom Penh, 4 April 2011- While there has been progress to ban the use of landmines around the world, there is still much to be done. On this International Mine Action Day, JRS Asia Pacific calls on all nations to cease using these weapons and to assist survivors.

On 4 April the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), of which JRS Asia Pacific was an early member, urges nations to protect their people by signing the Mine Ban Treaty. This entails destructing their stockpiles of landmines and cluster munitions, demining areas where landmines are still buried and assisting survivors of landmine accidents.

"We want to hear good news in Phnom Penh from all countries," said Song Kosal ICBL youth ambassador. "Push for progress in mine clearance, in victim assistance, in funding and international cooperation, in stockpile destruction, and national laws worldwide."


In 2009, there were over 2,000 deaths from landmines

JRS has been campaigning against landmines since 1990 and cluster munitions since 2008. JRS was one of the founding organisations of the Thailand Campaign to Ban Landmines. In 1997 this campaign won the Nobel Peace Prize and Tun Channareth accepted the award.

"Cambodia should join the Convention on Cluster Munitions this year and be the first country in the region to be party to both treaties," said Kosal, who is a Cambodian landmine survivor. Cambodia is highly contaminated with cluster munitions, as are Laos and Vietnam.

The Mine Ban Treaty was ratified in 1999, but its existence isn’t enough, said Sermsiri Ingavanija, JRS Asia Pacific coordinator for the Ban Landmines and Cluster Munitions Campaign.

"Many people around the world are still being killed by these mines and bombs. Large areas of land cannot be used or farmed. And governments around the world still use and manufacture these weapons,"Ingavanija said. "In 2009, there were over 2,000 deaths from landmines, more than the rest of the world combined."

JRS Cambodia is happy to report that the Cambodian government has made strides in demining the countryside in recent years and is expected to finish clearance of all mine-affected areas by 2020. Tun Channareth, landmine survivor and ICBL advocate, predicts that with enough funding and political pressure, most survivors could have access to social services and employment.

"There will always need to be a safety net for the most vulnerable survivors, many of whom are unable to move," Channareth said.

JRS has played a leading role in the campaign and contributed research on Cambodia and Indonesia for the 'Landmine Monitor.' In addition JRS continues to support landmine survivors in Bosnia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Kosovo, and actively raises awareness of the issue in these and other landmine-affected countries.

"I thank all the governments who have taken the initiative not only to sign the treaty but assist survivors. Please continue to support our work," Ingavanija said. "On this day it is important to remember that there is still much to be done."

***
Canadian Jesuits International
Text and Images Courtesy of JRS Asia Pacific
Oliver White
asiapacificrao@jrs.or.th
+66 2 640 9590

Elizabeth Therese (Betty) Perry, sister of Fr. Murray Abraham remembered in Lives Lived

2011-03-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth Therese (Betty) Perry, the sister of Fr Murray Abraham SJ, died in Calgary on 28 January 2011 after a prolonged illness. She was 88. Her life, fully lived as a nurse, teacher and mother, is detailed in the Lives Lived article below, which was published in the Globe and Mail. CJI has received donations in honour of Elizabeth for the work in Darjeeling, India begun by her brother Fr. Abraham.

Lives Lived

Elizabeth Therese (Betty) Perry

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Published Monday, Mar. 07, 2011 5:25PM EST

Last updated Monday, Mar. 07, 2011 5:33PM EST

Elizabeth Therese (Betty) Perry

Nurse, teacher, intellectual, mother. Born Jan. 26, 1923, in North Sydney, N.S. Died Jan. 28 in Calgary after a prolonged illness, aged 88.

Betty Perry detested camping, but she excelled at it. In 1957, with four children barely out of hand-scrubbed diapers, she was the enabler of her husband Fred’s passion for roughing it during a road trip from Nova Scotia to Calgary. She used all her Girl Guide savvy to create magical vacation memories for her kids, including roasting a pig in a pit and telling tales by the campfire.
Still, Betty loved ideas best. Always immersed in a book, she would read to the kids on long car journeys, and refused to budge when Fred would stop to show his progeny the points of interest along the way, such as the world’s largest wooden nickel or the highest dam around.

She detailed her life as a wife and mother in 1950s boomtown Calgary in hundreds of letters to her mother, Alice, in Halifax and missionary brother, Murray, in India. The correspondence was saved and read back to her to fill her final days with memories.

Raised in Halifax, Betty was a Maritimer. Her father, Arthur, lost his job at the Western Union Company when the Depression hit the telegraph industry.

In 1941, Betty switched from studies of English literature at Mount Saint Vincent College to train as a nurse at the Halifax Infirmary, which seemed more relevant to the war effort, graduating in 1944. She served on the home front by helping the Royal Canadian Navy during the Battle of the Atlantic.

In the wartime port town, Fred Perry was a good catch. He had a steady job with an oil company, and even had his own jalopy. Married in 1945, they moved from Halifax to Calgary soon after the Leduc gusher came in. They raised seven children: John; twins Janet and Judi; Nancy; Chris; and Stephen and Matthew, who were dubbed “the second family” as they were quite a bit younger than their siblings.

With Steve and Matt finally in school, Betty went back to her studies, too. She earned two degrees, joining the work force in the early 1970s as a teacher at Bishop Carroll High School, Calgary’s experiment with alternative education. By 1976, she had moved on to combine nursing with teaching, becoming director of nursing programs at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ont., where she followed Fred as he was transferred. Returning to Calgary in 1978, Betty retired in 1989 as the director of career development at Alberta Vocational Centre.

With Fred’s retirement came separation and divorce in 1988. Fred went back to roughing it as an amateur archeologist in Belizean jungles. Betty took on new intellectual and travel challenges, teaching English as a second language to oilmen in China, Mother Teresa’s team in India and youth in Zimbabwe and Japan. Ever the teacher, Betty taught us a lot in her last years as she pushed the health-care system to rethink how it is dealing with the dying elderly.

Steve Perry, Judi Gunter and Janet Dunnett are Betty’s children.

***

Photos and Text Courtesy of The Globe and Mail
Lives Lived Article

Jesuit Refugee Service calls for coordinated EU response to the Libyan crisis

2011-03-08T07:50:00.000-05:00

Jesuit Refugee Service

8 March 2011

Immediate release

A coordinated EU response to the Libyan crisis is needed now

JRS urges EU governments to prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable refugees

The Jesuit Refugee Service welcomes the actions and statements by several European governments since the Libyan crisis began. The meetings of the EU Foreign Ministers on 10 March and the European Council on 11 March are the moments to move to more coordinated action.

The evacuation of Egyptians in Libya by the Maltese, French and UK governments, and offers of aid by Italy are all welcome steps. Yet this response must not be limited to Libyans and migrant workers, the approximately 11,000 refugees in the country should not be forgotten.

The EU fact-finding mission sent by High Representative Catherine Ashton is a first step. In addition to ensuring concrete measures are taken to halt the violence in Libya and the delivery of ongoing and adequate humanitarian aid is guaranteed, JRS earnestly appeals to EU governments to:

identify and relocate within the EU of asylum seekers and refugees trapped in Libya; and
develop an emergency plan to deal with the spontaneous arrival of refugees and migrants into the European Union, including the full activation of the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) if numbers increase, the suspension of the Dublin regulation in relation to Italy and Malta

While many migrants in the country are being evacuated by their host governments and the International Organisation on Migration, refugees have nowhere to go. Refugees and asylum seekers stuck in Libya are extremely vulnerable to attacks. In the past days, JRS has received reports of innocent sub-Saharan Africans being beaten, stabbed and even killed, as they are wrongly suspected of being mercenaries hired by Gaddafi to kill Libyans.

Since mid-February, approximately 180,000 people have fled Libya, with thousands arriving daily in Tunisia and Egypt. Mediterranean nations cannot be expected to bear the responsibility of protecting these refugees alone. In times of crisis, European nations are called upon to demonstrate their commitment to the respect of human dignity and rights.

The 1951 refugee convention is based on the principle of responsibility sharing. Where states shirk this responsibility, it is refugees who pay the consequences. If Tunisia can offer protection to tens of thousands of men, women and children fleeing generalised violence, European governments should be in a position to ease the suffering of the most vulnerable.

***

Text Courtesy of www.jrs.net

Jesuit Refugee Service International
James Stapleton, Communications Coordinator
Tel: +39-06 68977468; fax: +39-06 6897 7461
Email: international.communications@jrs.net; www.jrs.net

JRS works in more than 50 countries worldwide, providing assistance to approximately 500,000 forcibly displaced persons.

Sudan: Official Reports Confirm Independence Hypothesis

2011-02-14T10:12:00.000-05:00

Juba, 8 February 2011 – The people of Southern Sudan have voted for independence from Sudan according to the final referendum results announced in Khartoum on Monday, 7 February. The results show that 98.83 percent voted for secession from Sudan, with formal independence for Africa's newest state scheduled this July.

"As soon as people here heard the announcement of the result over the local FM radio station, they started celebrating," said Anyanzo Charles Jacob, JRS Peace Education Coordinator in Nimule, Southern Sudan.

"Soldiers fired bullets in air, people danced and sung songs of praises to God, beating drums, and playing other local musical instruments. It went on throughout the night," Mr Anyanzo added.
However, key challenges remain to be negotiated before independence. It will depend on the two ruling parties – the north's National Congress Party (NCP) and the south's Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) – to agree on solutions.

Residents of Southern Sudan attend a peace rally as the country prepares to vote

on whether to split, (Boniface Mwangi/IRIN)

Key issues that need to be negotiated

Sudan's north-south border remains un-demarcated, and progress on fixing the boundaries remains slow. Negotiations are based on colonial-era maps reflecting Sudan's 1956 borders. As the north-south border crosses oil and mineral rich areas, particularly in Abyei, the issue is contentious.

The status of the contested border region of Abyei was to be determined in a separate referendum scheduled for early January last; however, the referendum did not take place and progress on the vote remains deadlocked.

A deal needs to be negotiated as to how the two parties will share the oil revenue. Oil reserves lie in the south but all pipelines run north. Both sides largely depend on oil income, with 98 percent of the southern government's budget coming from oil revenue. Another precious resource is water; the future sharing of the Nile water also has to be agreed.
A solution has to be found regarding the citizenship for the many Sudanese living in border areas, and southerners and northerners living in the "other" side of Sudan. Alternatively, the south wants people to have a possibility of holding dual citizenship, an option the north has been reluctant to accept.

Expectations remain high

The referendum was the climax of a 2005 north-south peace accord that set out to end Africa's longest civil war in which two million people died and four million were displaced within and outside Sudan.

"Southerners have fought 21 years for this liberation. They have high expectations regarding the democratisation process, a reform of the judiciary, establishment of the rule of law and the efficient provision of services," said Mr. Anyanzu. "If these expectations are not met, Southern Sudan will continue to experience conflicts," he added.

"We will only truly be liberated if we have peace, democracy, good governance, financial accountability, if we manage to eradicate poverty and manage our resources responsibly, if the civil society is involved in political processes and women participate in decision making," said Mr. Anyanzu.

JRS accompanied Southern Sudanese in various locations throughout the referendum process, providing education on the voting process and on conflict resolution within local communities.

***
Text and Images Courtesy JRS International
www.jrs.net

Plant and Harvest Sale in Duncan BC

2011-02-02T11:47:00.001-05:00

The community at St Edward the Confessor Parish in Duncan BC, continues to be a source of support for the work of Jesu Ashram in Darjeeling, India. For the past 22 years, their Plant and Harvest sale has raised money every year to support Jesu Ashram's work with those living with TB, Leprosy and HIV/AIDS.

Baking pies in preparation for the sale

For the 2010 sale, sixty-five apple pies were baked the day before, and 17 more were donated

This action of solidarity was born out of the commitment of Kitty and Frank Sarton to the work of Brother Bob Mittleholtz SJ in Darjeeling. Kitty and Frank moved to Duncan in 1989 and established a network of their friends and neighbors to join them in supporting Jesu Ashram. This work continues today through the efforts of many parishioners and friends. The first sale in September 1989 raised $390, and has grown steadily to the $7000 raised in 2010.

Ms. Madge Weber and her sister Martha at the sale

Plants and other fruits of the harvest

Crafts and other household items

Household items and other crafts

Community members buying and selling for a good cause

Photos courtesy of Ms. Madge Weber

***
Canadian Jesuits International

Accompanying Refugees, Or Trying to

2011-02-02T10:28:00.000-05:00

by Paul Robson courtesy of Friends In the Lord

www.friendsinthelord.com

In my orientation session, as I began my work here with Jesuit Refugee Service and Caritas Nepal, Fr. P.S. Amalraj, S.J., told me about the threefold mission of JRS: accompaniment, assistance, and advocacy. Fr. Amalraj emphasizes that accompaniment comes first, it is the most important aspect of the three. And what does accompaniment involve? It involves being with people, being present to them, listening to them. That sounds easy enough, right? Now, I’m a guy who does not have a lot of expertise in a lot of areas; but I think I can handle the job of spending time with people and listening to them. Or can I?

As of this month, 40,000 Bhutanese refugees will have left Nepal through the third country resettlement process. Among these is the Bastola family, whom I visited recently in their hut at one of the camps. Five days after my visit they left the camp, setting out to start a new life in Canada. I quite enjoyed my visit with Tika Ram, Damber, and their four daughters that day; and I think that they were glad to talk to a Canadian on the eve of their departure. One thing I discussed with Tika Ram is the challenge they face of moving to a French speaking part of the country. Also, it’s pretty neat that the 3 year old, Sanjita, knows a few words of French.

Manju Gurung (right), her family, and Paul (back row, second from right), at one of the refugee camps.

I think I did well, if I can say so myself and give God the credit, in accompanying these refugees on this occasion. However, there are also times when I fail in being present to others. The visit with the Bastolas was a planned, organized type of accompaniment; I often don’t do as well in on-the-spot situations, and when I’m interrupted. For example, I meet refugees not only in the camps but in the office. I’m blessed to share an office with three refugees who also work for Caritas. Now, can I accompany one of them in some way, when he or she approaches me with something to say as I’m working on another project? Moreover, accompaniment should be a way of life that is carried out always and toward everyone. Can I, to take another example, accompany someone who approaches me as I walk home through the town, feeling tired, at the end of the day?

I pray for the grace, then, and it really is a grace, I think: to be able to accompany people, to be present to them, to look at them, to listen to them, to love them.

Parashar Dahal and his family at the airport, on the day of their departure for the United States

Paul Robson is a Jesuit Scholastic with the Jesuits in English Canada. He recently completed philosophy studies at the University of Toronto. Currently he is completing his regency assignment (a two-year period of ministry prior to the study of theology) in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal with Jesuit Refugee Services and Caritas in Nepal.

Text and Images courtesy of Friends In the Lord

www.friendsinthelord.com

A Dream Too Long Deferred: The Referendum and the Future of Sudan

2011-01-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

For Southern Sudanese, Sunday – 9 January, the First Day of the Referendum, focused their dreams of more than half a century. Long before daybreak, Southerners began assembling to vote in a Referendum that would decide their future and the future of Sudan. In Juba, the mood was one of jubilation. When the voting stations opened at 8:00 that morning, some queues circled a city block, not once but twice. The choice: to remain united with the North as one country or to secede and form an independent nation. For most, the choice was clear: to secede and form a new country. For too long, Southerners lived as second or third class citizens in Sudan. With independence, Southerners will be able to claim the rights and responsibilities of citizens, choose their leaders, worship as they wish, and enjoy equality before the law. The Referendum was a next step in realizing a dream too long deferred. Although the results will not be known for a month, the early returns indicate that Southerners overwhelmingly are choosing secession.

Palwar Primary School in Southern Sudan is one of three education

projects implemented by Jesuit Refugee Service and funded by the U.S.

State Deapartment. It opened in April 2010. (Christian Fuchs - JRS/USA)

Nor is their choice surprising. During the two periods of civil conflict, 1955 to 1972 and again, from 1983 to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) of 2005, more than two million Southerners were killed and another four million were displaced. Many became refugees in Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Congo. Others, displaced, moved for safety to the peripheries surrounding Khartoum. Only the brave and the desperate choose to live in hot-day/cold-night desert areas. They built houses, churches and community centers from grass and there they slept and prayed and brought their children for basic school lessons. Regularly the Northern Government bulldozed these chapels and schools. During Christmas week three weeks ago. I visited communities in the desert some 40 kilometers south of central Khartoum. Small churches/chapels were packed and people talked enthusiastically about going home. In the weeks prior to the Referendum, to UNHCR estimates, 180,000 were on the move, some waiting two weeks by the side of the road for trucks and buses that would transport them and their few possessions to home areas 600 kilometers and more to the South. To my question about their plans, one person replied simply -- “we are happy because we are finally going home, to be part of building our country. At home, we can build our churches and pray as we wish.”

When Sudan gained independence from the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium in 1956, it became the first independent country in Africa. However, Southern Sudanese quickly discerned that the terms of independence favored the northern elite and relegated Southerners to second class citizenship. Already by 1955, Southerners began to resist the “domestic colonization” that was emerging. After independence, the northern dominated Government attempted to crush the “rebels,” – the result was the first Anya Nya civil war that continued until 1972, when the Addis Ababa Agreement granted a measure of self-rule to the South. However, by 1983, militant Islamic leaders had gained control of the Government, abrogated the 1972 Agreement. decreed Islamic law for Sudan and began it impose Arabic in the schools. Southerners again resisted and led by John Garang, the Sudanese Peoples’ Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M) took up arms to defend their rights and their communities. Twenty years later, the Northern Government realized that it could not win militarily. Pressured by the International Community and faced with expanding conflict in Darfur and uprisings in the northern and eastern regions, in January 2005 it reluctantly signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that established a Government of National Unity (GoNU) which gave the SPLA/M 28 percent of the cabinet offices and the first vice presidency and granted the South autonomous status. The CPA also provided for a Referendum in January 2011 that would give Southerners the right of self determination. Although the North signed the CPA, it took measures to divide the South so that the Referendum would not take place. A centrist view among Northerners even today is that the South is not capable of governing and if secession, Southern Sudan will be a “failed state”, marked by corruption, incompetency and conflict. More radical Northerners assert that Sudan, by divine decree, is an Islamic nation and must remain so forever. The South cannot be allowed to secede.

In the early 1970s I was in Uganda for nearly three years at Makerere University. There I first met Sudanese refugees, mainly women making reed baskets on the shores of Lake Victoria to support their families and a few students studying at the University. Colleagues asked my help in supplying seeds and farm tools to communities in South Sudan, a program that stopped when the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement was signed. From 1988 to 1992, I again was in the Region as Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Africa with an administrative office in Nairobi. JRS began a modest outreach to the growing number of Sudanese who were fleeing the conflict in Sudan. Once a month, many families gathered at Hekima College (the Jesuit Theologate in Nairobi) to celebrate the Eucharist, to provide religious education for their children and to share news and concerns over a common meal. One Sunday, several youth received their first Holy Communion -- I remember reflecting to myself, “these young people, what will their future be?”

Now some 15 years later, after time with refugees in other areas of Africa and with Catholic Universities in Mozambique and Ghana, I am again in Sudan, serving as Vice-chancellor of the Catholic University of Sudan. Church leaders first talked of an institution of higher education at independence. In 1983 Pope John Paul II spoke of a Catholic University when Sudan’s President visited in Rome. Twenty years later, prompted by the canonization of Bishop Daniel Comboni the Holy Father again encouraged the Bishops to establish a Catholic University. After the CPA when this seemed possible, the Bishops commissioned feasibility studies and in July 2007 they decided to establish the Catholic University as a national institution. The Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) granted provisional approval to the University on 1 August 2008; in late September the University welcomed the pioneer group of students to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences in Juba. Now in its third year, the Faculty has 200 students. In Wau the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is in a second year with 50 students. Additional Faculties and programs will be added in response to need and the availability of resources. “The baby is born” and already is making a modest contribution to training the next generation of leaders for the New Sudan. Indeed, this too is the realization of a dream too long deferred.

Palwar Primary School in Southern Sudan (Christian Fuchs/JRS USA)

Barring unforeseen problems, Southern Sudan will become independent on 9 July 2011, as outlined in the CPA. Many ask about the prospects for the future – will independence introduce the era of peace and development that Southern Sudanese have dreamt of over the past half century? Indeed the challenges and the tasks ahead are daunting. The population is largely rural and poor -- 78 percent depend on subsistence farming or livestock for their livelihood. Half the population is below 18 years of age; of the population above 15 years, 27 % are literate; only 37 % above the age of six have ever attended school. Thousands of persons are returning to their homes in Southern Sudan and need assistance to reconstruct their homes and communities. Caritas Internationalis has launched an appeal to assist families on the move and when they return.

After the CPA, GOSS began to chart a strategy for creating the structures of government and improving access to basic services. One priority is ensuring food security; another is rebuilding the education systems. Both were largely destroyed during the years of conflict. GoSS, with other Governments, International Agencies and the Churches, is working with local communities to address food security issues and to provide primary and secondary education programs.

The international media often pictures school children in Southern Sudan as studying under trees and scratching lessons in the dust. While there is some truth in this picture, changes are underway. From 2007 to 2009, primary school enrolment increased by more than 22 percent, from 1,127,963 to 1,380,580 students (boys: from 710,703 to 871,804; girls: from 417,260 to 508,776) and primary school classrooms by 62 percent, from 6,587 to 10,663. Over the same period, secondary school enrolment increased by 75 percent, from 25,144 to 44,027 and secondary school classrooms increased by 85 percent, from 414 to 764.

With increased enrolment in both primary and secondary schools, there is a great need for teachers. As promising students complete primary and secondary school, the Ministry is concerned that they continue their education – Southern Sudan needs men and women with the professional skills required for the development of a modern nation and an increasingly complex economy. In recognition of this need, GOSS is beginning to promote the expansion of tertiary institutions and higher level training institutions. This too was one of the Bishops’ objectives in establishing the Catholic University of Sudan and a teaching training institutes in Malakal and Riimenze, run by a coalition of religious congregations under the name “Solidarity with Southern Sudan”. Solidarity has also resurrected the Church’s Health Training Institute in Wau. The Bishops recognize that the Church, at this historic moment, is called to assist at every level in building the new Sudan.

With all the challenges and difficulties ahead, there are many encouraging signs. First and perhaps most important, Southern Sudanese are courageous and committed. They have suffered much. Adults and teen-agers carry the marks and memories of conflict and war. Leaders are intelligent and heroic – for them, the CPA was an interlude in their struggle for a just and decent society. The Referendum is yet another step in that struggle. Among the significant achievements of the past six years: the basic institutions of government are in place; ministries function; special commissions are working with dedication and commitment, often with Northern counterparts, in addressing critical issues – demarcating borders, sharing natural resources (some 75 % of known oil reserves are in the South), dividing national debt, creating separate financial systems, clarifying citizenship, and building the economic and social infrastructure, with a focus on education, health and transport.

In their Pastoral Letter of November 2010, “Peace be with you; do not be afraid: A Message of Hope and Healing,” the Catholic Bishops of Sudan urged communities to turn away from conflict, to look beyond the Referendum, and to construct new forms of living and working together. They stressed the importance of developing modalities of North - South cooperation and new approaches to being neighbors. Good neighbors resolve difficulties, if and when they wish to do so. But neighbors too need neighbors, good neighbors who are present to assist in meeting the tasks and addressing the problems of the day to day and beyond.

The continued support of the international community over the coming months will be essential for the development of this new nation. Building a nation is not something that can be done in a month or a year. It is the work of this generation and the next and beyond. It will require the active support and the concerted effort of Southern Sudanese assisted by their many friends – Governments, Non Governmental organizations and Church communities – to realize the dream too long deferred.

A note on the author.

Fr. Mike Schultheis SJ, a Jesuit priest from the USA , is the Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Sudan. Among his other assignments during more than thirty years in Africa, he was the first president of the Catholic University of Ghana, lectured at Makerere University (Uganda) and the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and assisted in establishing the Catholic University of Mozambique. He also served as Associate Director, the International Secretariat of the Jesuit Refugee Service, and Director, JRS Africa.

***

“THE BISHOP OF THE POOR” SAMUEL RUIZ DIES IN MEXICO.

2011-01-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

Retired Bishop Samuel Ruiz, former Roman Catholic Bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas died this Monday, 24^th January in Mexico city at the age of 86.

Bishop Ruiz speaks at Georgetown University, Washington, 2003.
(Catholic News Service/Nancy Wiechec)

Known by many as "The Bishop of the Poor" or "Tatik" — "father" in the Tzotzil indigenous language, Bishop Ruiz was a staunch defender of the rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas.

His tireless struggle in the defence of human rights has been a source of inspiration for indigenous people the world over, and for all those working for social justice. He was chosen to mediate talks between the Mexican government and the Zapatista forces. A Nobel peace prize candidate, Bishop Ruiz was also the founder and president of the Fray Bartolome de Las Casas Centre for Human Rights in Chiapas, Mexico.

Viewing and funeral ceremonies will take place in the Cathedral at San Cristobal de Las Casas starting from Monday 24^th January at 7PM local time and will conclude on Wednesday, 26^th January.

Please consult our website and blog in the coming days for details of memorial services being organized in Toronto.

***

Haiti: An Anniversary in Pain

2011-01-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

(Port au Prince) January 12, 2011 – One year ago a massive earthquake devastated Haiti, claiming the lives of more than 300,000 people. Today, Haitians mark the first anniversary of the tragedy in pain, caused not only by the sad memory of the victims of the tragedy, but also by the slow pace of recovery and the acute political crisis facing the country.

Since the earthquake, hundreds of thousands of displaced people have lived in makeshift camps. Today, many of these people are facing eviction from their flimsy shelters as landowners move to force them from the land. "Where do we go? What do we do?" asks one moved from Automeca camp, located in the Delmas 33 area of Port au Prince.

"We met with representatives of the Ministry of Interior and Delegates from more than 20 NGOs on January 7, but there was no concrete decision [as to what we could do next]," said a representative of displaced people living in Henfrasa field, also located in Delmas 33.

A displaced child living in Automeca camp,

one of thousands who may be forced to seek

shelter elsewhere. Since the earthquake, hundreds

of thousands of displaced people have lived in

makeshift camps. Today, many of these people are

facing eviction from their flimsy shelters as landowners

move to force them from the land.

(Christian Fuchs - Jesuit Refugee Service/USA)

While the displaced are increasingly threatened with expulsion by land owners, the Haitian authorities remain indifferent to their plight, despite the recommendation made to the Haitian government November 18, 2010 by the Human Rights Commission that they "adopt a moratorium on expulsions from camps of the internally displaced."

Meanwhile, Haiti has plunged into an acute political crisis resulting from controversy over the presidential and legislative elections of November 28, 2010. On that day, twelve of the nineteen presidential candidates called for an annulment of the elections due to what they said was fraud and irregularities committed in favor of the government-supported candidate Jude Celestin. Further charges made by various candidates have mired the process of selecting a new government.

In response to this crisis, Haitian President René Garcia Préval requested the Organization of American States (OAS) to conduct a technical evaluation of electoral process. The report's findings are expected soon, but nothing guarantees that Haitian political actors will accept the findings of the OAS report. It is unlikely the political crisis will be resolved by the time the current president is scheduled to depart office on February 7.

The political crisis also affects the social landscape in Haiti, as the further weakened Haitian state becomes increasingly incapable of providing a concrete response to such pressing problems such as the relocation of about one million displaced people, satisfaction of their basic needs, removal of debris and the fight against the cholera epidemic.

The insecurity and violence caused by the political crisis also the thwarts the efforts of humanitarian organizations to provide better care for the affected population, who lack basic social services such as health, education, potable water, electricity and sanitation.

Pope Benedict XVI wrote directly top the people of Haiti in a message read by Cardinal Robert Sarah during a commemorative Mass held in Haiti today.

"I hope that the Haitian people will become the main actors in their own present and future, also with the support of international aid which has already demonstrated great generosity with economic support and volunteers coming from all parts of the world," the Pope said.

By Edson Wooldy Louidor

Jesuit Refugee Service, Latin America and the Caribbean

***

Text and Images Courtesy www.jrsusa.org

An Open Letter on the South Sudan Referendum on Self Determination

2010-12-14T12:24:00.001-05:00

December 13, 2010

To all Jesuits and friends in Jesuit Apostolates

Dear friends

In the spirit of the Society of Jesus’ worldwide apostolic concern for Africa, we invite you to join with the Jesuits and other people of faith in Eastern Africa praying for a peaceful referendum in Sudan (January 9, 2011). We join our friends in a number of other Jesuit provinces in this solidarity action.

Map of Sudan

Background:

On January 9, Southern Sudan will hold a vote for self-determination which could either produce Africa’s newest country or it could spark considerable human suffering, dislocation and regional instability. This is a critical juncture after decades of war followed by a tenuous and soon-to-expire Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in place since 2005.

Underlying tensions in this massive country (largest land area in Africa and the Arab World) heighten the potential volatility. Religious, ethnic and historic divisions split the north and south and the struggle to control natural resources hardens the rivalries. Sudan is one of the five countries comprising the Eastern Africa (AOR) Jesuit province, with a a population 42 million people.

Reflections from Jesuits on the ground:

· Br. James Kanali,S.J. writes from Khartoum, “we anticipate a time of increasingly heightened anxiety as South Sudan prepares to make an enormously important decision regarding this decision [on independence]….Results of this referendum will forever define the future and dynamic nature of Sudan, especially for us in AOR province.” (AOR News, Oct 1, 2010).

· Sudanese Jesuit Fr. Francis Lado, S.J. shares, “This is going to be the most important experience that the Sudanese people will go through since the Continent assumed independence from the colonial governments beginning in the late 50s… The result of the referendum will bring a complete and total change in the face of the Sudanese history characterized by violence, sadness, brutality and bleeding, ushering the fate of the Sudanese people into a new dispensation. Therefore, I ask that all the companions and people of good will stand, with open hands, praying to God, to intervene into the vulnerable and delicate position of the referendum for the people of South Sudan. Your humble prayer for this noble cause will count before the eyes of God.” (AOR News Nov. 26, 2010).

Possible Days that could accommodate a prayer service:

· December 20 International Human Solidarity Day

· January 1 World Day of Peace

· January 9 Referendum (scheduled)

Prayer Leading to Action:

· Increase Our Awareness: Balanced analysis can help us to better understand the issues and possible outcome scenarios. Not only do we have contact with Sudan through the Jesuits in Eastern Africa, but there are groups in Canada doing solidarity work with Sudan (see Kairos, Africa Files, and others below). Also many areas in Canada host sizeable Sudanese refugee communities. African Jesuits often remind us that the most important thing that we can do is to help present a more balanced image of Africa. While tragedy exists, there are also tremendous signs of hope, new life and courageous faith-justice.

Advocacy Opportunities. Coordinate a Sudan event or link with others who are active on Sudan. Join an advocacy network engaged on Sudan. (Some options below).

Useful Websites:

Up to date analysis on the situation, and on the actions taken by the Canadian Churches in solidarity with Sudan: http://www.kairoscanada.org/en/rights-and-trade/focus-countries/sudan
For up to date news and analysis on Sudan: http://www.africafiles.org/sudan.asp
Sudan Catholic Bishops Nov 14, 2010 pastoral statement: http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article36924
USCCB statements on Sudan:

CRS website for Prayer, Education, Advocacy Messaging and on-line video: http://peaceinsudan.crs.org/
JRS Peace through Education in S Sudan: http://www.jrsusa.org/campaign_detail?PTN=PROMO-20100910125253&TN=PROJECT-20100910010400
Solidarity with Southern Sudan, a coalition of religious working in conjunction with the Catholic Bishops of Sudan: http://www.solidarityssudan.org/

If you have any questions or you want to tell us of any activities you have organized, please call us or e-mail us at CJI 416 465 1824 or cji@jesuits.ca. Also please check our website for updates www.canadianjesuitsinternational.ca

With Advent Hope and Gratitude for your Consideration,

Jenny Cafiso

Director

CJI at CSUNA XVI

2010-11-29T15:39:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, 17 November, CJI director, Jenny Cafiso delivered the keynote speech at the 15^th annual Catholic Students United Nations Assembly (CSUNA). The theme for this year’s assembly was “Promoting Global Partnership through Solidarity”. In keeping with this theme, Ms. Cafiso reflected on solidarity and partnership through the stories of people whose names and identities are often lost in the discourse of international partnership. Jenny told the stories of some of the people she has met through her experience with Canadian Jesuits International and Jesuit Refugee Service to highlight how issues such as antipersonnel mines, international agricultural policies, war or mechanisms for international justice affect real people with a name and a face.

CSUNA provides a platform for students from the various Catholic schools in the Greater Toronto area to engage in the global issues of today through a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly and its various committees. The three day assembly saw all 192 member states of the UN represented by students from over 25 Catholic schools. Issues addressed at CSUNA XVI included deforestation, food dumping as aid, genetically modified foods, natural disaster management, nuclear energy proliferation, space exploration, gender equality, the abolishment of illegal immigration and child labour among others.

Visit http://csuna.wordpress.com for details on committees and resolutions passed by the assembly.

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Anniversary Special: The World Mobilized

2010-11-12T14:08:00.001-05:00

Edited extract from a speech by Fr Mark Raper SJ, President of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific, 9 November 2010, at the Gregorian University. Fr Mark Raper is the former International Director of Jesuit Refugee Service.

Fr. Mark Raper in Byumba, Rwanda in 1994

All associated with JRS will tell you: ‘the refugees are our teachers’. From them we learn much. As an organisation, Jesuit Refugee Service was built from the bottom up. Experiences in the field and reflection on those experiences gave JRS its shape. Its vision came from its founder Pedro Arrupe, certainly, its horizons are shaped by our reading of the Gospel, but each new program is worked out on the ground with the people we serve, fitting their needs and mobilising their resourcefulness. Structure is not the end itself but rather a means to service.

JRS had to be structured so that it could be true to its mission to ‘accompany, serve and defend the rights of refugees’. Yet we can own that mission because it is verified in our lived experience on the ground. For example the experience of accompañamiento for JRS workers in Central America gave new resonance to the meaning of ‘being with’. When North Americans volunteered to live with communities of refugees in El Salvador, local military knew that if and when they used US supplied M16s against those communities, and if any American citizens were harmed, then military aid and external political support for the dictatorship would dry up. Just by being there, by accompaniment, one could protect human rights.

Read the full speech on the Province Express website by clicking here.

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Text and Images Courtesy of Province Express - A Newsletter of the Australian Jesuits

www.express.org.au

AGRICULTURE FOR TODAY & TOMORROW

2010-11-12T11:04:00.002-05:00

The Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC) was the focus of an event held on 4 November hosted by CJI featuring Br Paul Desmarais SJ and Kelvin Mulenga Chonzi SJ. The evening began with a virtual tour of the Kasisi property in Zambia, followed by a lively discussion on the work of KATC in particular and organic agriculture in Zambia in general. Well attended by friends of CJI, Jesuits and members of the CJI community, the evening was part of a series of public events led by Br Paul in Toronto, Guelph and in the Windsor area.

(L) Kelvin Mulenga Chonzi SJ, (R) Paul Desmarais SJ

The aim of these public events is to increase public awareness on the benefits of KATC’s application of organic agriculture to small-scale farmers in Zambia. Br Desmarais spoke of how the farmers are experiencing significant increases in production, yield and security from pests and disease as a result of the shift to organic farming methods following training from KATC. The next event will be held at Visitation Parish in Comber, Ontario on 18 November, 2010 at 7PM. See some images from the event below.

Visit CJI’s Facebook page for more photos from the event.

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Canadian Jesuits International
Images courtesy of CJI

Press Release: Jesuit Refugee Service Marks 30th Anniversary

2010-11-10T12:13:00.000-05:00

JRS, putting refugees first.

Fr. Pedro Arrupe SJ
Worldwide, JRS provides primary, secondary,
third level and vocational education services to
nearly 280,000 children young people and adults.

On 14 November 1980 – in a world dominated by ideology and repression – Jesuits moved to meet the humanitarian and education needs of the Vietnamese boat people, and JRS was born. Today, the number of forcibly displaced persons worldwide has increased from 16 to 45 million.

Thirty years since the initial vision of its founding father, and former superior general, Pedro Arrupe SJ, JRS, an international humanitarian organisation with projects in 51 countries worldwide, has dramatically increased the scale and scope of its services – education, emergency assistance, healthcare, human rights protection, serving more than half a million refugees.

"Accompaniment is the heart of this approach. Our place is close to refugees, being touched by their reality: in camps, conflict zones, detention centres... on the margins of society. This closeness teaches us how best to serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and promote justice and reconciliation", explained JRS International Director, Peter Balleis SJ.

Central to modern displacement is greed: fuelling insecurity and growing economic disparity. This scramble for resources frequently ends in conflict and persecution. Fleeing extreme poverty and human rights violations, desperate migrants and refugees are then forced to face exploitation and xenophobia.

For this and many other reasons, JRS places the highest priority on ensuring a future for refugees, in particular by investing in education and training. Worldwide, JRS provides primary, secondary, third level and vocational education services to approximately 280,000 children, young people and adults every year.

Throughout our 30 years, JRS has remained true to its mission: going where the need is greatest and leaving only once the refugee challenge has been resolved. Working closely with refugees and in cooperation with all people of goodwill, with a non-proselytising presence, JRS welcomes people of all traditions to share and help in its mission.
Without this closeness to refugees, our work in the centres of power – be it Geneva, Rome, Brussels, Nairobi, Delhi or Washington – would not be possible. In partnership with refugees – based on solid research – JRS tries to address the root causes of forced displacement. Simply stated, JRS works to empower refugees and host communities to defend their human rights, promoting harmony and dignity.

To commemorate 30 years of service to refugees, three Jesuit organisations – JRS, Centro Astalli and Magis – have organised a calendar of events:

on 9 November at 16:00, a lecture at the Gregorian University, The world mobilised. The Jesuit Response to Refugees," given by former JRS International Director, Mark Raper SJ; and
on 14 November at 19:00, a mass and concert in the Chiesa Gesù, followed by a concert of young musicians Sonidos de la Tierra

The orchestra, comprising a group of 40 young musicians from marginalised communities, some of whom are displaced, will play modern and traditional music from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. The theme, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers, is a testimony to the dream of a world at peace without borders.

For further information contact
Jesuit Refugee Service (International Office)
James Stapleton,
Communications Coordinator
Tel: +39-06 68977468; 346 234 3841
international.communications@jrs.net; www.jrs.net

JRS works in over 50 countries in six continents around the world. It employs over 1,000 staff: lay, Jesuits and other religious to meet the education, health, social and other needs of 500,000 refugees and IDPs, more than half of whom are women. Its services are provided to refugees regardless of their race, ethnic origin, or religious beliefs.

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Text and images courtesy of www.JRS.net

JESUIT PROFILE: Boniface Mbouzao

2010-10-28T10:53:00.001-04:00

Boniface Mbouzao was born in Koza, a small town in the north of

Cameroon

. The sixth of 10 children, Boniface comes from a Christian family; his father is a permanent deacon. He went to primary school in Kourgui, then for high school at the seminary of Guider, and from there to study mathematics at the University of Yaoundé. In 1998, he joined the Jesuit novitiate of Bafoussam (

Cameroon

) and in the same year, obtained a bachelors degree in philosophy in Congo Kinshasa. His studies were interrupted for two years for his regency, which he spent at the Catholic university of Central Africa. He was then sent to Canada, where he completed a degree in computer engineering in 2009 and is now working on a Masters degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Ottawa, researching the field of medical informatics and telemedicine. At the same time he is working on a Bachelors degree in theology at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.

Boniface at a meeting of African Jesuits hosted by CJI in 2009

Boniface believes that the Society of Jesus should play a major role in the third world, especially in Africa, in terms of the formation of young people in sciences and engineering. Cooperation between the North and South, he holds, could be very beneficial to the development of science for all human beings. In a conversation with CJI Boniface reflects on the nature of this cooperation, especially between Canada and the various African countries.

What message do you have for Canadians about Africa?

The principal message I have for Canadians about Africa is that they realize the plurality of Africa, not to see Africa as “one poor country” but as an entity of several countries with different types of problems. Africa is not only what the media decides to show us: a place where people are dying for hunger, AIDS and malaria, but also a place where we can find hope for the future. My invitation is to see Africa as a continent of hope.

What role do you think CJI and like organizations can play in building links of solidarity between Africa and Canada?

The link or bridge that can be built between Africa and

Canada

could be one of cooperation, where each participant comes with something.

Canada

can give to Africa but it can also receive from Africa. Thus the link will be a channel of exchange of experiences and wealth between

Canada

and Africa.

Canada

can help Africa and young Africans in term of formation: the formation of young people and responsible leaders; formation in new technologies; and formation in good governance.

Canada

can lend its expertise to many African countries in this regard.

Boniface at his lab at the University of Ottawa

From your experience working in the field of health care and technology, what can Africa hope for in this field?”

For me the future of Africa lies in its capacity to access new technologies. The experience of telemedicine, which I am researching, is one key example. With the development of telemedicine in Africa, many people can be diagnosed and treated without travelling. Local caregivers and nurses can be given all kinds of formation without leaving their place of work. In general, the development of new technology in Africa can help to give formation to many people without taking them out of their context. This should help to keep those who have been trained in their context and at the service of their countries.

What do you think your role should be after you return to Africa, to build on links of solidarity between Canada and Africa?

I see myself helping in the formation of young people and health professionals in the use of information technology to improve their productivity. This would require contact with specialists in

Canada

to have the opportunity to benefit from teleconferences, telemedicine etc. That will be beneficial in terms of both the cost of formation (no need to travel), and of having a large number of people who can benefit from the formation.

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Canadian Jesuits International

CATHOLIC AFRICAN YOUTH PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

2010-10-28T10:14:00.022-04:00

Good governance and leadership, fighting corruption from the grassroots: university students from 23 countries recently converged in Arusha,

Tanzania

, to deliberate on these weighty issues during the 10^th Pan African Assembly of the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS). The assembly, held from 6 to 14 October, included observers from the

USA

and the

Netherlands

Topics discussed included different forms of leadership; good governance and its effects on drastic poverty reduction; corruption and its impact on the development process of Africa. The participants in the assembly concluded that corruption is one of the worst impediments to good governance and economic development. Strategies to fight corruption and the role of students and citizens therein were also tackled.

A march was organized within the Arusha Municipality to spread the message, with students waving country flags. A statement was presented to the Church authorities on behalf of the youth and to the Minister of East African Community, Dr D. Kamala, during the closing ceremony.

At the end of the programme, the representatives drew up orientation documents to guide the process of disseminating the fruit of their discussions. This forms part of the plan of action for the next phase of the project, to be implemented at sub-regional levels and country levels.

CJI was one of the donors of this conference. IMCS Africa said: We thank all our partners and beneficiaries for sharing in this Dream -“Our dream is not to wait till things get out of hand before we react; but to be proactive in our course… The future is bright but it depends on a solid formation of the youth today. That is why we invest in capacity building and social capital investment in general.”

The IMCS – Pax Romana brings together over 80 national federations, associations or movements of Catholic university students from six continental regions. Since 1921, IMCS has been fostering the holistic formation of students around the globe.

UPCOMING CJI EVENT: Agriculture for Today and Tomorrow

2010-10-19T10:06:00.003-04:00

On Thursday, November 4th, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) invites you to an evening with Canadian Jesuit Paul Desmarais and Zambian Jesuit Kelvin Mulenga Chonzi.

The event titled AGRICULTURE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW: The Story of Kasisi Agricultural Training Center (KATC) will be held at the CJI offices at 70 Saint Mary Street in Toronto, from 7PM to 8:30PM.

Starting from the experience of the Kasisi Agricultural Training Center (KATC), we will discuss how the production of food can meet everyone’s needs in our global community today and in the future. We will consider options for a future where all can enjoy food sovereignty and sustainable, environmentally responsible ways of growing healthier, organic varieties of food.

Kelvin Mulenga Chonzi is one of two Zambian Jesuits currently completing their studies in agriculture at the University of Guelph.

Brother Paul Desmarais is the director of the Kasisi Agricultural Training Center (KATC) in Kasisi, Zambia. He has lived in Zambia for 40 years.

KATC trains over 1,000 small-scale farmers annually in sustainable agriculture, organic vegetable and cotton production, biological pest management, dairying, agro-forestry, beekeeping, farm management and agri-business.

Diving Directions
Our offices are in the Loretto College building at 70 Saint Mary Street in Toronto.
The closest major intersection is Bay and Bloor. Saint Mary Street is the second street south of Bloor, on the west side of Bay Street. Coming from the south side, Saint Mary is the second street north of Wellesley on the west side of Bay.

Transit Directions
On the Bloor line, go to Bay subway station, exit on Bay Street and walk south two long blocks until you reach Saint Mary Street. Turn right and our offices will be just ahead on the north side of the street.

On the Yonge-University line, go to Museum station exit unto Charles Street and walk east to Bay Street. Turn right and walk south one block to Saint Mary Street. Turn right and our offices will be just ahead on the north side of the street.

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Canadian Jesuits International

CJI CONTRIBUTES TO RELIEF EFFORTS FOR PAKISTANI FLOOD VICTIMS

2010-10-17T14:20:00.001-04:00

As millions of Pakistanis struggle to recover from the huge damage left in the wake of the recent, unprecedented floods, the Jesuits in Lahore have mounted a relief effort focused on rebuilding destroyed homes and villages.

Around 1,600 people are believed to have died and up to 20 million people left homeless in the wake of the flooding which began in July of 2010.

The Australian Jesuit Mission has raised almost $600,000 so far in response to its emergency appeal for the victims of the

Pakistan

floods. Although it did not make a specific appeal, Canadian Jesuits International has so far received $10,000 in donations for Pakistan. This money will be sent to bolster the relief effort of the Jesuits in Lahore, led by Fr Renato Zecchin SJ, Superior of the Jesuits in

Pakistan

Fr Renato told CJI: “The Lahore Jesuits are committed to make the best use of the funds received and we will stay with the people until we have achieved what is needed for the work we undertake. We will also do the necessary follow up work to monitor what is being done.”

A child walks through a mud-filled street in Khwas Koorona Village, in

the northwestern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

UN Photo/UNICEF/ZAK

There is much work to be done. “So much of Southern Punjab, the North and then down South has been affected. The devastation is so big over a huge area,” said Fr Zecchin. “So many homes have been reduced to rubble - poorly built homes that could not withstand the high flood waters. And so many crops still under water and many have been destroyed.”

In Multan, the Jesuits will work with the Justice & Peace Office there, helping people rebuild their homes: strong houses with good foundations and proper materials so that they may be able to withstand future flooding.

“On a bigger scale, we are working with the Salesians here in Lahore. The plan is to help the people in Sind,” continued Fr Zecchin. “Our intention is to take an area and help to rebuild affected villages.”

For more information, contact Canadian Jesuits International.

CJI DIRECTOR TO JOIN JRS COUNCIL

2010-08-28T11:05:00.007-04:00

Ms Jenny Cafiso

The Director of CJI, Jenny Cafiso, has been appointed to the International Administrative Council of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) as a co-opted member.

The JRS International Director, Fr Peter Balleis SJ, and the four Jesuits forming part of the Council asked Ms Cafiso to join the council in view of her "manifold experience in various agencies such as Development and Peace, JRS International and now as Director of Canadian Jesuits International".

Ms Cafiso worked with JRS International as Programmes Officer from 1995 to 2003. Mrs Leslie Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, will also join the council as the second co-opted member.
Photo Courtesy Moussa Faddoul.

FR. RICHARD MACDONALD SJ: A LIFE OF SHARING PERSONAL GIFTS ON MISSION

2010-08-26T08:59:00.014-04:00

Kindness, hospitality and human sensitivity – these are the three "gifts" that Fr Richard Macdonald SJ shared with all who knew him during his years of ministry, many of which were spent as a missionary in India and among the native people in Canada. Fr Richard died peacefully on 6 August 2010 at Scarborough Centenary Hospital, Ontario. He was 83. At his funeral on 10 August at St Joseph's, Morrow Park, Fr Robert Foliot SJ described Fr Richard as a man who understood his mission, "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19), as "going from the altar to meet people". And as he went out on mission, Fr Richard took these three "gifts" with him.

Born in Westmount, Québec, Fr Richard entered the Society of Jesus in 1947 at Guelph, Ontario. In 1954 he moved to Ethiopia to teach English as a regency placement. From there he went to St Mary's College, Kurseong, in Darjeeling District, north-eastern India, where he studied Nepali for a year and then commenced his theology studies. After ordination in 1961, Fr Richard served as an assistant pastor at Our Lady of the Snows Parish, North Point, Darjeeling, and then at St Joseph's College, also in North Point, where he taught English and moral science. He later served in St John's Church and Hayden Hall in Darjeeling.

In Darjeeling, he set up a travel agency, Summit Tours to employ graduates of North Point who left school well educated and fluent in English but were often unable to find jobs. Tourists from all over came to the agency. At the wake of Fr Richard, a Tibetan woman who had worked in the travel agency approached the casket with a piece of gold silk. "In a brief but beautiful little ritual she gently placed this silk cloth in Fr. Macdonald's casket. It was explained to me as a sign of respect," said Fr Robert in the funeral homily. "Richard had a gentle respect for people."

In 1979 Fr Macdonald returned to Canada and in 1981 began his ministry with the native people, first from Martyrs Shrine in Midland and then in 1984 moving to Manitoulin District. With the help of the people, Fr Richard built St Bernard's Church in Little Current on Manitoulin Island, where a memorial will be held to honour him.

Fr Richard lived and worked in native and non-native parishes until 1997 when he became chaplain at St Joseph's Motherhouse, Willowdale, Ontario. He stayed there until 2010. Up until the end of his life, the people he met on his many apostolic placements, from India, from Manitoulin, from Toronto, visited him at St Joseph's.

The funeral Mass of Fr Macdonald was held at St Joseph's in Willowdale on 9 August followed by interment at the Jesuit Cemetery in Guelph.

For any additional details, please contact Canadian Jesuits International at or cji@jesuits.ca.

TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS AT CJI

2010-08-05T14:55:00.006-04:00

Fr. David Shulist, SJ

Two new members have been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Canadian Jesuits International: Fr David G. Shulist SJ and Shaji John Kangapadan.

Fr David was re-elected, having already served three terms between January 2004 and April 2009. Fr David is currently chaplain at Carleton University. He holds a graduate degree in rural development and has worked for short periods in Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia and Jamaica, building infrastructure, developing livestock nutrition, doing project assessment and emergency relief work.

In Canada, Fr David has worked in the areas of rural life, family farming, sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, spirituality and theology. He coordinated the Global Connections programme, an experiential learning experience for university students to Mexico and Latin America. He works closely with Development & Peace and promotes immersion learning, community building and ecological sustainable living.

Shaji John Kangapadan

Shaji John Kangapadan holds a Masters degree in economics and a certificate in Canadian social work practice. His current position involves building partnerships with high-need communities to engage them in recreational and environmental education programmes. Shaji, who is Indian, brings to the board solid experience in partnership and capacity building and community organisation, as well as knowledge of strategic planning and project evaluations.

He has worked extensively in the planning and implementation of development and humanitarian aid projects in India and Afghanistan with a number of non-governmental organisations, especially the Caritas network. We welcome them both to the CJI family.

Photos courtesy of Moussa Faddoul and Jan Schwarz.

AIDS CLINIC, CLINIQUE MARTIN ROYACKERS INAUGURATED IN BURUNDI

2010-07-19T16:33:00.025-04:00

On 11 June, an AIDS clinic named after a slain Canadian Jesuit was inaugurated in Bujumbura.The clinic for inpatient care expands the services offered by the Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM), a holistic AIDS ministry which is run by the Jesuit Region of Rwanda-Burundi. It is named after Fr Martin Royackers SJ, a Canadian Jesuit who was gunned down in 2001 as he stood by his door of his parish of St Theresa's in Annotto Bay, Jamaica – his murder was never solved.

The inauguration of the Clinique Fr Martin Royackers SJ was a joyful ceremony, nearly all in Kirundi: a Eucharistic celebration followed by the cutting of the ribbon, a visit to the clinic, then a long series of speeches followed by lunch.

Hundreds of people benefiting from the services offered by SYM celebrated alongside Mrs Joanne Royackers, the mother of Fr Martin, her daughter Mary-Ann and Mrs Jenny Cafiso, director of Canadian Jesuits International (CJI). Mrs Royackers gave thanks for the "great honour bestowed on our son and brother".

When the traditional Burundian drummers performed, she was invited to try her hand together with her daughter. "It was impossible not to join in, how can you sit by the sidelines in the face of such joy and gratitude?" said Mary-Ann. "These people, mostly women, are ecstatic to receive the kind of care Canadians take for granted."

Other guests included the Regional Superior of Rwanda-Burundi, Fr Augustin Karekezi SJ, and Fr Paterne Mombé SJ, director of the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN). The outgoing coordinator, Fr Michael Czerny SJ, unable to attend as he is recovering from a heart attack in Canada, sent a message.

The clinic expands the services offered by SYM to 900 people with HIV and more than 1,000 orphans. SYM reaches inaccessible parishes in the rural hills around the capital of Burundi and offers holistic care: medical; psychosocial; nutritional; educational; micro-credit for income-generating activities. In April 2009, SYM qualified to be a centre for the provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which necessitated the building of the clinic.

Photos courtesy of Canadian Jesuits International.

HAITI EARTHQUAKE SURVIVORS LIVING IN APPALLING CONDITIONS - JESUIT REFUGEE SERVICE

2010-07-19T16:33:00.002-04:00

Six months after the earthquake in Haiti, more than one million survivors continue to live in appalling conditions, with inadequate sanitation, limited access to basic services, insecurity and constant food shortages according to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

The international aid agency's press release dated July, 12, reads: "It is time the Haitian government, international community and UN agencies take concrete steps to address the protection, food security, education, sanitation and other needs of the most vulnerable populations, including those living in unofficial camps".

Conditions in the nearly 1,400 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps around the capital, Port-au-Prince, are extremely critical. The case of the largest IDP camp, Automeca, with a population of 11,000, is typical: residents continue to live in shacks held together with rags and poles. There are no schools, nor is there electricity; sanitation is poor, the water barely drinkable and drainage, to say the least, is hazardous. When heavy rain falls, garbage flows through the camp.

"I have visited refugee and IDP camps throughout the world, but I must say I was shocked by the appalling conditions in Automeca and other camps. It is a national and international disgrace. Nearly everyone we spoke to complained of the lack of food and other basic essentials," says JRS USA Director Fr. Ken Gavin, SJ.

"It is essential the international donor community release the funds promised for Haiti without restrictions and facilitate the involvement of Haitian political and civil society groups in tackling the humanitarian crisis and initiating reconstruction in the country," adds JRS Haiti Director Fr. Wismith Lazard, SJ.
While many international agencies claim that virtually all survivors have been reached with aid, many have received less than three deliveries of food according to the JRS. For instance, the UN World Food Programme did not make any food deliveries to Automeca between March and June. Food distributions are halted too early without assessing the impact on the most vulnerable groups. While JRS recognises the need to kick-start the local economy, measures need to be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Even though Haiti suffered from high levels of insecurity prior to the earthquake, the situation has deteriorated drastically since January. Increased insecurity, particularly in camps which frequently lack electricity and lighting at night, poses a particular threat to women and children. At a meeting with JRS Haiti on June 20, seven IDP camp leaders highlighted numerous concerns, including the high incidence of violence and exploitation perpetrated against girls aged 11 to 15 – forced to exchange sex for food – and the deteriorating health of camp residents.
Moreover, the situation in unofficial camps is even worse. Throughout the city, unofficial camp residents receive little or no care from large aid organisations or international co-ordinating bodies; many have even been told to leave the camps but have not been provided with alternative housing.
"JRS welcomes the moratorium on forced evictions issued by the Haitian government. Unfortunately, pressure from landowners on IDPs to evacuate the sites continues. The government needs to use its authority to protect camp residents from this kind of harassment, and put more effort into identifying suitable shelter," continues Fr. Lazard.
For many years, JRS has had a grassroots presence in Haiti and has provided humanitarian assistance to displaced Haitians in both the Dominican Republic and along the Haitian border. In addition, JRS has responded to the needs of Haitians following successive natural disasters, a food crisis, and repeated hurricanes.
JRS Haiti is focusing its current relief efforts in the Port-au-Prince area, working in seven camps that serve the needs of more than 21,000 displaced people in and around the capital, providing emergency assistance, psychosocial support, and training to community leaders to manage camps and civil society organizations.

Text and image courtesy of Jesuit Refugee Service

MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD FOR FR. EDGAR BURNS SJ

2010-07-01T09:19:00.049-04:00

An evening of Remembrance and Celebration was A memorial for Fr. Edgar Burns SJ was held in Toronto on Monday, 21 June, at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, from 7 to 9 pm. Fr. Burns, who was born in Montreal, died of heart failure at his home in Darjeeling on 17 May 2010. He was 85. When his funeral was held in Darjeeling two days later, the entire town came to a standstill for the funeral procession.

Moved by a spirit of service and by dedication to the cause of the poor, Fr Burns always sought to reach out to those most in need. Perhaps his best-known project is the Hayden Hall Social Centre, which he founded and directed until 2009, and which has served some of the poorest people in Darjeeling for more than four decades. His life and work were supported over many years by hundreds of friends in Canada and all over the world, through visits, letters, phone calls and financial support.

The memorial was well attended with over a hundred of Fr. Edgar's family, friends and supporters in the Toronto area in attendance. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Jim Webb SJ, Provincial of the Jesuits in English Canada, Fr Bill Ryan SJ, and also Fr Joseph Horrigan SJ, Fr Bill German SJ, Fr Mike Hawkins SJ and Fr Dick McDonald SJ, all four of whom were previously were missioned to Darjeeling.

See below for more images from this evening of Remembrance and Celebration.
Images courtesy of Canadian Jesuits International

Photos courtesy Canadian Jesuits International

CJI MOURNS THE LOSS OF FR. GERRY LECLAIRE SJ (1925-2010)

2010-05-25T15:08:00.002-04:00

Father Gerald Leclaire died peacefully on May 23, 2010, Pentecost Sunday, at René Goupil House in Pickering, Ontario at the age of 82. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, the son of Jean-Alphonse and Adelaide Culleton, attended D'Arcy McGee High School for 4 years and entered the Society of Jesus on September 7, 1947. After his studies in philosophy in Toronto, Fr. Gerry studied history at the University of Toronto for 3 years. In 1957 he began his mission to Darjeeling, India. His was ordained priest on March 22, 1961 in Darjeeling after serving as co-pastor in Gayaganga from 1964 to 1965 he moved to St. Joseph's College in Darjeeling where he taught history and theology and was also the Rector and Prefect of Studies.

Fr. Leclaire, in 1978, accepted a posting to the Kingdom of Bhutan and became principal of Sherubtse School in eastern Bhutan. After 11 years in Bhutan, he returned to St. Joseph's College as principal and lecturer. He was appointed Rector in 1997, a post he held for only two years before suffering a massive stroke while on a visit to Canada. Despite his debilitating stroke which robbed him of speech, he always enjoyed visitors at René Goupil House in Pickering and he could be seen outdoors on his motorized cart whizzing around the property. He did this almost daily as weather allowed. Gerry bore his heavy cross with equanimity and courage and was an example to many who were his companions at the infirmary.

His Wake will be held on Thursday 27th 2010 at 7-9 pm St. Ignatius Chapel at Manresa, with Funeral Mast on Friday 28th May 2010 at 11 am at St. Ignatius Chapel followed by Interment at the Jesuit Cemetery in Guelph at 2:30 pm. For any additional details, please contact Canadian Jesuits International at 1 800 448 2148 or cji@jesuits.ca

JESUIT PROFILE: Bokouamanga Hugues Christian, SJ

2010-04-30T15:24:00.002-04:00

Bokouamanga Hugues Christian, SJ

Bokouamanga Hugues Christian was born in Motomkoba in Congo Brazzaville. He completed his Baccalaureate in 1995 in Congo Brazzaville and went on to do his degree in Political and Justice Studies at l'université Marien Ngouabi in Congo Brazzaville. It was here that he obtained his Masters degree in Law with a focus on Public Law. In 1997 after the war in Congo his passion for international law pushed him to do research on: "The Law and its Impact on Crimes against Humanity in Congo Brazzaville"; and also "Diplomatic relations between Congo and France from 1970 to 1997".

From 1999 to 2000 Bokouamanga worked at the Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches Chrétienne in Brazzaville, after which he entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Boufoussam, Cameroon. During his noviciate he worked extensively with street youth in Douala, Cameroon on human rights education, apprenticeship and professional training.
After completing his novitiate in 2002, he went on to do his studies in philosophy at la Faculté de Philosophies de la Compagnie de Jésus in Kimwenza, Democratic Republic of Congo. Bokouamanga’s research continued his passion for the law by focusing on ethics, and he was the president of the Commission Foi et Justice (Faith and Justice Commission). A number of his articles were published at this time in the publication Afrique d’espérance, including Les guerres civiles en Afrique : affaires d’intérêts égoïstes.

In 2004 he completed his studies in philosophy and left to work in N'Djamena, Chad at the Centre Emmanuel where he taught philosophy and religion to elementary and secondary school students. During this time, he was a member of the Peace and Justice Commission of the Diocese of N’Djamena. Bokouamanga moved to Abidjan in 2006 to begin his studies in theology at the Jesuit Institute of Theology in Abidjan. His thesis was on Theology and the Political Engagement of the Clergy : The case of Congo Brazzaville.
In 2008 he served as an interim project director for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Koukou Angarana, Chad. Since 2009 he has been working on his Masters degree in Canon Law at the University of Ottawa, St Paul’s University. Bokouamanga is currently hosted by Ogilvie Residence of the Ottawa Jesuit Community.

Reflecting with CJI staff on his impressions and aspirations for Canada-Africa relations, Bokouamanga had this to say:

From your experience so far, how do you think Canada can contribute to greater justice and peace in Africa? I think one important contribution that Canada can make is through demanding and enforcing the highest ethical conduct of the Canadian NGOs, and private enterprises working in Africa. One of the greatest threats to justice and peace lies in the desperation often brought about by extreme poverty. Canada can play a role in the struggle for greater food security through its support for farming and farmers cooperatives across the continent.
At the academic level, there should be greater collaboration between Canadian educational institutions, lawyers, engineers, and other such specialists and their African counterparts. This exchange of experiences and ideas will create an informed basis for dialogue and to think together about the promotion of justice, peace and development in the world and especially in Africa. The Canadian government can influence the African countries, which need its help, to respect the principles of good governance, International and national laws, human rights, to fight corruption.

What role do you think CJI and other like organizations can play in building links of solidarity between Africa and Canada? I think that CJI and other NGOs, members of the Canadian civil society, must strive to be more informed about the practices and impacts of Canadian policy and businesses in Africa. Having the right information, they can inform the Canadian taxpayers who have the power to call for change where needed. CJI should increase its collaboration with a wider variety of Canadian and African NGOs, use its links inside and outside of the Jesuit communities to foster equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

How do you think you can contribute to building these links of solidarity as an African Jesuit while you are here in Canada? I am very interested in the building and strengthening the relationships between the various actors in Africa and in Canada. As an African Jesuit in Canada I can act as part of the link to bring these people together through the work of CJI or other like minded organizations.

What message do you have for Canadians about Africa? I would remind Canadians that even though Africa is very rich in human and natural resources, it has had a history, largely characterized by the extraction of these very resources. In more recent times, the actions of some multinational corporations and nations in collusion with some corrupt African leaders have turned the continent into a victim of the ideologies and injustice of international community. It is also equally a victim of its own children who organise the coups, the wars, the violation and abuse of the human rights, the great corruption, and the bad management of public business. It is also the continent of future, with its biodiversity, rich ecology, natural resources, and people actively seeking new and creative ways to be equal participants in the global economy. We need leaders at every level, who are able and committed to justice and peace and are able to work together with the international community towards the political, social and economic development of African nations.

GETTING TO KNOW THE AFRICAN JESUITS IN ENGLISH CANADA

2010-04-30T15:19:00.003-04:00

There are ten Jesuits from African countries currently living and studying in the province of Jesuits in English Canada. Over the coming months, Canadian Jesuits International will bring you their stories and experiences, with which they enrich the communities and universities where they are hosted. In September of 2009, Canadian Jesuits International hosted the first ever meeting of all African Jesuits in English Canada. It was a great opportunity for them to share their stories and expertise with each other.
The first two Jesuits we will be profiling are Mathieu Bere and Bokouamanga Hugues Christian.
Bokouamanga Hugues Christian, SJ
Bokouamanga Hugues Christian was born in Motomkoba in Congo Brazzaville. He completed his Baccalaureate in 1995 in Congo Brazzaville and went on to do his degree in Political and Justice Studies at l’Université Marien Ngouabi in Congo Brazzaville. It was here that he obtained his Masters degree in Law with a focus on Public Law. Full Bio

Mathieu Bere, SJ
Mathieu Bere is an African Jesuit from the West African nation of Burkina Faso which is a part of the Jesuit province of West Africa. Bere, was born in Koupela which is about 150 kilometers outside of Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. Bere, as he is popularly known is the first born of his family, and has three sisters and three brothers. Full Bio

JESUIT PROFILE: Mathieu Bere, SJ

2010-04-30T10:46:00.001-04:00

Mathieu Bere is an African Jesuit from the West African nation of Burkina Faso in the Jesuit province of West Africa. Born in Koupela, about 150 kilometers outside of the capital city of Ouagadougou, Bere, as he is popularly known, is the first born of his family with three sisters and three brothers.

Mathieu Bere, SJ

Bere, began his journey as a Jesuit after leaving the minor seminary school in 1998 to begin his Novitiate in Boufoussam, Cameroon. From 2000 to 2003, he completed his studies in Philosophy at Faculte de Philosophie St Pierre Canisius in Kinshasa, Congo with a major in Political Philosophy. After his studies in Kinshasa, he spent the next two years in Chad where he taught Philosophy and worked as a part-time chaplain at the Centre Catholique Universitaire in N’Djamena.
After leaving Chad in 2005, he completed a B.A in Theology at Hekima College in Nairobi, Kenya where he was a member of the Hekima Peace Forum. At Hekima he was on the organizing committee of the conference, Ethnicity, Conflict and the Future of African States, which yielded a book of the same title which was published in 2009 in Nairobi.

Well educated and well traveled, Bere has also worked as an intern with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), once in Eastern Chad in 2004 and in Kampala, Uganda in 2006. His publications over the years have included: Le risque de la démocratie (The Risk of Democracy), in Afrique d'Espérance, February - May 2003; Pour une société internationale juste et stable (Advocacy for a Fair and Stable International Society), in Raison Ardente, June 2003; and A World Without Poverty: A Challenging Utopia for Christian Faith. Hekima Review, October 2007.

Bere, is an avid athlete and holds a green belt in Shotokan Karate. He is an accomplished chess player and in his short time in Canada has become quite a hockey fan. He describes himself as in all things a Jesuit and a man who is highly interested in questions of governance, peace and development in Africa and the developing world as a whole.
In the fall of 2009, he began his Masters in Thelogy at Regis College, University of Toronto, with a focus on Political Theology and Social Ethics. Bere is currently hosted at the Ignatius House of the Regis College Jesuit Community here in Toronto.

Speaking with us here at CJI, Bere had this to say about his experience here in Canada so far:

From your experience so far, how do you think Canada can contribute to greater justice and peace in Africa? I think that Canada in general is trying to keep some ethical standards in its relations with the developing world. Canadian civil society is for instance is very active in advocacy work in favor of Africa. There are a variety of initiatives to challenge Canadian companies that operate abroad on a number of issues. This advocacy work is very important and should be encouraged. However, there is also a need for direct cooperation between individuals and groups from Canada and groups in Africa. This cooperation could take the form of cultural exchange, financial support for income-generating projects and education, etc. What role do you think CJI and other like organizations can play in building links of solidarity between Africa and Canada? CJI and other like organizations could help a lot by keeping Africa present in the minds of people in Canada and telling them the truth about this continent and what is really happening there. Beyond financial assistance, which is necessary but not enough, I think African countries need to be respected, valued, and encouraged. CJI and other such organizations can help to bring forward those voices that are often absent from the global discourse.

How do you think you can contribute to building these links of solidarity as an African Jesuit while you are here in Canada? My greatest contribution will be to tell another story about Africa that gives hope and encourage Canadians to be hopeful that this continent can do better. Having been in touch with refugees from the Darfur region and from the Great Lakes region, with street children in Yaoundé (Cameroon), and with people in slums like Kibera in Nairobi (Kenya) or in Burkina Faso, I can tell this story to Canadians and suggest how they could contribute to make a difference. What message do you have for Canadians about Africa? My message for Canadians about Africa is that African countries, despite the great challenges that they are facing now, can do better with the support of each one of you. If Africa, with its immense natural and mineral resources, is doing better, the whole world will benefit, as this contributes to the international economy, regional political stability and peace.

CANADIAN JESUIT APPOINTED TO PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE

2010-02-10T16:23:00.002-05:00

Canadian Jesuit Fr. Michael Czerny, S.J., has been named personal assistant to the newly appointed President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson of Ghana.

Fr. Michael Czerny SJ

Fr. Czerny had previously served as an adiutor and contributed to the work of the Synod of African Bishops held in Rome in October 2009. He will assist Cardinal Turkson to implement the mission of the Pontifical Council, which is to promote justice and peace in the world, in the light of the Gospel and the social teaching of the Church.

Michael brings a lifelong commitment in social justice ministries, as founding director of the Jesuit Centre for Social Faith and Justice in Toronto (1979-1989); as director, at the University of Central America (UCA) in San Salvador, of its Human Rights Institute (1990-1991) and as Vice-Rector of the UCA (1991); as Secretary for Social Justice at the Jesuit General Curia, Rome (1992-2002); and most recently as founding coordinator of AJAN (2002-2010).

On February 2, Fr. Paterne Mombé, S.J., of the West Africa Province, arrived at AJAN House in Nairobi as associate coordinator and will be replacing Fr. Czerny as coordinator. Fr. Mombé is the founding director of the Centre Espérance Loyola in Lomé, Togo and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to AJAN. Canadian Jesuits International sends them both blessings and best wishes as they take on these important assignments.

Photo courtesy of Marc Rizzetto SJ