by Jude Forbi SJ

On September 11, 2020, the Jesuit Theologate, Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jesus (ITCJ) in Abidjan officially opened the Academic Year 2020/2021. The event was attended by the majority of the permanent faculty members and staff, old and new members of the student body, members of different religious congregations, and other invited guests. With the impressive turnout for the opening ceremony, everyone present was conscious enough to respond positively to the invitation to wear their masks and to maintain a safe physical distancing throughout the ceremony.

News from the Meeting of Father General’s Expanded Council

The virtual Consiglio Allargato (Expanded Council) of Father General held from 7 to 11 September 2020.

The meeting went well. If I recall correctly, it was the first time that an entire Consiglio Allargato  focused on one single theme, namely “The Jesuit Vocation today: Its meaning, its living and its promotion.” We spent the five days in prayer, conversation and deliberation on the various aspects of the Jesuit vocation.

by Beatrice Mumbi, JCAM Safeguarding and Child Protection Coordinator

It is time to invest in child protection at home.

When COVID-19 related restrictions began, nobody knew how long they would last or what impact they would have on the daily aspects of life. Least expected were the negative consequences that most children have experienced during this time especially increased exposure to child abuse risks and actual abuse.

by Rampe Hlobo SJ | Jesuits South Africa 

There is no doubt that the novel coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on many things, not least the world’s economies. However, the COVID-19 period briefly and ironically resulted in desirably cleaner air and clearer skies. As the virus ravaged lives, countries went under severe lockdowns; travel restrictions, together with the industrial downturn, saw air pollution dropping. The air cleared, mother earth and her creatures had a chance to breathe again. The quality of the air we breathe improved dramatically as pollution decreased, thanks to the temporary restrictions.

By Chanda Mwenya, NKWAZI Magazine | Images by Kalichi Pictures

The beauty and tranquility of Zeela Art Gallery & Homestay located in New Kasama, off Leopards Hill Road, in Lusaka left me virtually speechless. Fortunately, I am inclined to agree with the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar president, Reverend Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, who once described the place, as “a piece of Eden on earth – an artistic and creative re-creation of God’s original desire and purpose for our common home.” Rev. Orobator made these remarks in 2018 during the opening of the Wonders of Co-creation: Catholic Theology and Spirituality Through Art exhibition at Zeela Art Gallery.

By Fr. Rampe Hlobo SJ | Jesuits South Africa

As the world ushered in the new decade in January, few among us could tell that there was a pandemic on the horizon. By February, other parts of the world had been hit hard by the new virus which turned to be one of the most dangerous viruses in living memory.

Covid-19 which continues to ravage life has exposed many others that have been devastating certain sections of our societies for a very long time, not least, poverty.

By Eyrah Foli SJ 

From July 12 to August 12, 2020, 17 scholastics in the final year theology studies at L'Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus (ITCJ), gathered at Favre Community at ITCJ to start the first part of Arrupe Month experience. The facilitator was Fr. Abel N’Djomon, SJ. In past years, this event had been held outside Abidjan, but given the current health crisis, the decision was made to stay in Abidjan for this important part of our formation.

by Eyrah Foli SJ

We are currently living in a time where plans have been crushed and families are in despair because of the loss of jobs and lives of loved ones due to the coronavirus. It is with this backdrop that the Jesuit Community at ITCJ decided to embark on a tree planting exercise. On August 13, 2020, Frs. Anicet N’Teba, SJ, and Rodrigue Naortangar, SJ, assisted by Rev. Emmanuel Muzinga, SJ, carried out a prophetic act of planting a baobab tree.

By John Enslin SJ

Chaplaincy via WhatsApp

The challenges that faced us within the chaplaincy when UCT (the University of Cape Town) closed were sadly not dissimilar to the challenges that faced our broader society. Although UCT is regarded as a world-class institution the stark inequalities among students remain—most often invisibly. It is possible that a student living in a private residence here in a wealthy part of Cape Town, in a private residence, and yet without anyone knowing struggling for food as expenses go up. When students are here one would not be able to see who comes from impoverished communities but when they returned home to continue studies in lockdown, often in a small dwelling with other people sharing the same space, students became anxious about their studies, their results and the impact that will have on their bursaries.

By Arrupe Jesuit Institute

Africa’s teeming youthful population constitutes one of the continent’s greatest assets. Africa’s youth represent a potentially positive force for change and therefore their energies must be harnessed to promote peace and transform African countries. Regrettably, bad governance, poor education, and high unemployment rates make many African youth vulnerable and easy targets to be recruited to perpetrate violence. Through these multi-disciplinary, scholarly yet simple talks, the Pax Africana series aims at equipping Africa’s youth to become activists for peace.