The Jesuit mission in Asia Pacific flows from a centuries old vision. In 1540, the very same year the Jesuits were approved, Francis Xavier was sent to Asia. He arrived in Goa in 1542, in Japan in 1549, and died at the border of China in 1552. Now Jesuits in Asia Pacific number almost 1800, including those still in training. They serve in some 15 countries of this region, both in the intensely populated countries of Asia and in tiny Pacific nations.
The needs of many people still call to us, the successors of Xavier. Rapid change and consumerism leaves many, especially the young, without meaning for their lives. Many in Asia Pacific remain poor and the gap between the poorest and the richest continues to increase. Asia hosts some of the longest running conflicts, and harshly oppressive governments, forcing many people from their homes. At least one third of Southeast Asian city dwellers are squatters, without security of tenure or adequate services of water, sewerage and waste disposal. Most of the world’s labour force is Asian. Many workers must migrate to find jobs, resulting in broken families, young people left without parents to guide them, and millions stateless. Asia Pacific is prone to both natural and climate change induced disasters. In recent years, tsunamis, earthquakes, cyclones and typhoons, mudslides and floods have disrupted millions of lives.
“The harvest is great but the labourers are few.” In Asia Pacific, home to almost half of the world’s population, the problems seem great, yet we seem so few. Our Jesuit mission, built on love, is an invitation to share time, energy, prayers and money for the sake of others, because of the Good News that inspires us. Our mission is both to receive and to give. We receive God’s blessing from all to whom we minister.
The Jesuit mission is an invitation to share a vision of a world that can and should be more just, more peaceful, more equitable, more faithful. As a minority in Asia, Christians live in the midst of deep spiritual traditions. These challenge us to live deeply the message of love and reconciliation taught by Jesus. Without a vision we perish, without a mission we can get lost. Love leads to giving, to service. Love attracts and builds community. This is our vision and our mission.
Mark Raper SJ
President, Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific
March 2010
