Responding Together to a Wounded World: SJES Annual Meeting in Rome
The meeting, organised by Fr. Roberto Jaramillo SJ, leader of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat (SJES), together with his dedicated team — Daniela Alba (Advocacy), Mr. Milton Mervin Raj SJ (Chennai Province, India), Rosanna Mattei (Administrative Secretary), and Maya Lelièvre (Volunteer Intern) — brought together the six conference secretaries for days of reflection, dialogue, discernment, and planning.
The first day of the meeting was dedicated to prayer and the sharing of the diverse contexts in which Jesuits journey with the People of God across the world. Each secretary — Fr. Filipe Martins (JCEP), Fr. Rampe Hlobo (JCAM), Dr. Julie Edwards (JCAP), Fr. Agnaldo Junior (CPAL), Fr. Jerald D’Souza (JCSA), and Fr. Chris Kellerman (JCCU) — offered an analysis of the socio-political realities within their respective conferences.
The exchanges highlighted the various Jesuit responses and, in particular, the inspiring initiatives addressing the many challenges confronting communities today. These difficult and often complex contexts continue to weigh heavily on people, especially the marginalised and those living on the existential peripheries of society whom Jesuits accompany through their ministries.
In their presentations, all the secretaries emphasised the importance of common initiatives and strategic partnerships. In many contexts, these collaborations include ecclesial and secular partners, civil society organisations, academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental bodies, and grassroots movements. It became increasingly clear that collaboration and the strengthening of networks are indispensable for responding effectively to today’s overwhelming social and ecological challenges. With human and financial resources rapidly diminishing, the practice of working in silos is no longer sustainable and may even risk becoming ethically questionable.
The gathering also included an afternoon of conversation and engagement with the Executive Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), Br. Michael Schöpf SJ. In this age of unprecedented human mobility, all six conferences are witnessing increasing levels of forced migration, while JRS continues to accompany forcibly displaced people in more than 57 countries worldwide. The discussions explored shared challenges between the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat and JRS, while also identifying opportunities for deeper collaboration and mutual support. Although many of these challenges are complex, they were not seen as insurmountable.
A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the question of resources — not only their scarcity, but also the need for their responsible and strategic use. More importantly, the discussions repeatedly underscored the value of partnerships, networking, and collaboration in mission. All the secretaries affirmed that working together is indispensable for a transformative and effective response to both the spiritual and material needs of the people with whom Jesuits journey.
The final two days were devoted to conversations, discernment, and planning with the four coordinators of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN) initiatives. The focus centred on how to strengthen advocacy efforts so that they may become more coordinated, effective, and transformative. There was broad agreement that collaboration and networking must be deepened, capacities strengthened where necessary, and resources shared more intentionally in order to respond justly and collectively to the pressing realities facing our world today.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the six secretaries and the SJES Secretariat team in Rome left physically tired, yet spiritually renewed and psychologically inspired. While the work within our different Jesuit Conferences remains demanding and, at times, daunting, we are strengthened by the conviction that the Lord of the Mission walks with us. Accompanied by the Holy Spirit — the Paraclete of whom we have been hearing in the Gospel during these days — we continue our mission with hope and renewed commitment.
The meeting was concluded on Thursday 14 May with a highly successful hybrid launch of the SJES Annual Report, which for the first time was held in the Aula of the Jesuit Curia. The event brought together over 60 guests in person, while more than 100 participants followed the proceedings online. The launch provided an inspiring opportunity to share the work, achievements, and highlights of Jesuit social justice and ecology ministries from around the world.
We leave the Eternal City with deep gratitude for the many graces received during these few days together.
