In celebration of its milestone 40th anniversary, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Asia Pacific has launched a commemorative online exhibition that showcases the history of its service and solidarity with refugees, as well as eye-opening personal stories of people JRS has accompanied these last four decades.
JRS Asia Pacific has chosen to partner with Jesuit Communications Philippines (Jescom) on website design and artistic direction to make this landmark project a reality.
“JRS admires the work of Jescom through its various media in delivering the message of compassion, hospitality, and justice – values shared by our institutions – for those often forgotten in society, the least, and those forced to flee their homes,” said JRS Asia Pacific Director Louie Bacomo.
The showcase on “40 Years of Accompanying Refugees” features a detailed timeline of events, enabling visitors to retrace JRS’ humble beginnings, dating back to Fr Pedro Arrupe’s call to over 50 Jesuit provinces to respond to the plight of Vietnam war refugees, and coordinate a global humanitarian response.
The other showcase, “My Home: Displacement, Diaspora, and Desire”, takes visitors into the deeply personal thoughts and memories of the refugees revealed through their poems, drawings, journals, and other treasured possessions that bring them close to home and foster their sense of identity and belonging.
“The exhibit suggests that having a place to call home should not be a privilege. Home is perceived differently by people on the move, people who were forced to flee their homes. JRS would like to invite viewers to walk along their journey and listen to their stories. We hope that the exhibit can raise awareness on refugee rights and issues in the region,” said Duangtida Saisuk, JRS Asia Pacific Communication and Advocacy Officer.
“We hope that viewers realise that the stories of refugees are human stories; they are our stories. These are not isolated stories; the stories are at play in each of us, in our society, in how we respect our differences and assist others who are suffering and experiencing difficulties,” said Bacomo of the exhibit’s message to its audience.
Driven by a “love of God and compassion for humanity”– the same values that inspired Fr Arrupe 40 years ago – Bacomo believes that this same spirit will keep JRS relevant and effective in the coming years, amidst ever-changing and challenging times.
Remembering the generous individuals who have wholeheartedly shared in JRS’s work of accompanying, serving, and advocating on behalf of countless refugees, the Regional Director expressed his thanksgiving and enthusiasm for their mission’s continued success.
“We reflect on and appreciate the challenges, joy, and solidarity they have imbued in the mission and institutional character that continue to inspire all of us,” he affirmed. “We are sincerely grateful to our supporters and friends who believe in the work we do and share in our mission.”
Visit the 40 Years of Accompanying Refugees commemorative online exhibition here.