Praying with Refugees from Somalia

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

On October 5, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI launched an appeal to the international community to help people suffering famine in the Horn of Africa. 

During his general audience that morning, the Holy Father said, “I renew my heartfelt appeal to the international community to continue its commitment to these people. At the same time I invite everyone to offer prayers and concrete support to so many sorely tried brothers and sisters, particularly to the children of the region who are dying every day because of the lack of water and food”.

As Ignatius Would

posted in: Education, Migration, Spirituality | 0

Ignatius Loyola’s gift to the Church was about choice: how to make the best decision in our lives. In the celebrations for Ignatius Loyola the readings speak of choice and of the mission that follows the choice.  Ignatius invites us to say ‘no’ to the self that is focused on itself: the surface self, the small, fearful, insecure self.  By contrast the Gospel reveals the sacred, unique, individual self, the person created and sustained in life by God, loved as a son and daughter, whom Jesus wants to be saved. 

Discovering Filipino migrants in Algeria

posted in: Migration | 0

Fr Roland Doriol SJ spent 15 years in Cebu, Philippines as a Chaplain in a maritime school and at the port, ministering to seafarers and their families.  He sent us this report after three weeks in Algeria in May, during which he met Filipino migrant workers at their work sites and in their camps.

Living with our neighbours

posted in: Migration | 0

An annual sports festival for the Thai and Filipino communities in Gimpo began on June 5 with the opening festival day at Gimpo YIUTSARI.  YIUTSARI, which translates to “living with the neighbours”, is the Jesuit Centre for Migrant Workers.

The two communities have enjoyed the Gimpo Migrant Workers’ Sports Festival every year since the first event in 2006.  This year, after the opening festival day, the Thai community will play soccer for eight weeks while the Filipinos will play basketball for 12 weeks.

Jesuit centres collaborate on migration

posted in: JCAP News, Migration, Social Justice | 0

Jesuit centres serving migrants came together round the table for the first time in a JCAP workshop held in Seoul from May 15 to 17, 2011. The 14 participants from Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Korea included a representative from the Good Shepherd Sisters’ network.

During the workshop, the group heard from experts about best practices and learned from each other’s experiences. They also heard from migrants themselves.  Joint action was initiated to better accompany and prepare migrants as they move across borders.

JRS marks World Refugee Day

posted in: Migration | 0

June 20 was World Refugee Day, a day that puts the spotlight on the plight of refugees and highlights how they can be treated with dignity and humanity.  This year, World Refugee Day coincides with the 60th anniversary  of the United Nations Refugee Convention, which outlines the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of people hosting them.

Diakonia now available online

posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

With rising distribution cost, Jesuit Refugee Service-Asia Pacific has decided to make their magazine, Diakonia, be available online only. If you would like to receive a copy of Diakonia electronically, please email diakonia@jrs.or.th. The last printed copy of the magazine can be downloaded using the link below.