Youth learn to grow crops sustainably
14 Dec 2011

Youth learn to grow crops sustainably

by | posted in: Education, Indigenous Ministry, Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

Abaca, coffee and rubber are three very different crops that can make a difference to the indigenous communities in Mindanao – both economically and socially.

In October, 30 youth from Upper Pulangi, Bukidnon in northern Mindanao spent 10 days learning about these crops, how to produce them and how to do so with a sense of environmental stewardship.  Jesuit research institute Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC) conducted the training, in partnership with the Malaybalay City Agriculture Office and the Fibre Industry Development Authority. 

Flood misery continues across Southeast Asia
22 Nov 2011

Flood misery continues across Southeast Asia

by | posted in: Migration, Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

An estimated 20 million people across Southeast Asia have been affected by flooding since June. Most are in Thailand, but typhoons struck the Philippines in October, and Laos was hit by cyclones in July and August.  About 1.8 million people in Cambodia and Vietnam are also suffering from the worst flooding in a decade.  Myanmar also is experiencing flooding, though the extent is unclear because little information has been released from the country. Local media there reported some 30,000 people were hit by flash floods last month that killed more than 160.

In Cambodia, floods have scattered the hope of the people
22 Nov 2011

In Cambodia, floods have scattered the hope of the people

by | posted in: Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

As the floodwaters in Cambodia recede, the work of recovery and reconstruction begins. Fr Greg Priyadi SJ, Director of Jesuit Service Cambodia, reflects on the damage caused of by worst floods the country has experienced in years and the tough times faced by the people who have lost their homes, their harvest and their livelihoods.

Continued protest to the Four Rivers project
17 Oct 2011

Continued protest to the Four Rivers project

by | posted in: Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

Work is proceeding on the controversial Four Rivers Restoration Project despite Church and popular protest.  Fr Mun-su Park SJ, Director, Jesuit Research Center for Advocacy and Solidarity presents the background of the project that is destroying the ecology integrity of the affected area and reflects on the prophetic meaning of the protest.

Ateneo de Cagayan to be green campus with a blue heart
17 Oct 2011

Ateneo de Cagayan to be green campus with a blue heart

by | posted in: Education, Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

 The new President of President of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, Fr Roberto “Bobby” Yap SJ began his term with a strong message regarding man’s need to reconcile with recreation.

In his Inaugural Address on August 15, Fr Bobby declared that “care for the environment is certainly one of the most crucial and most challenging” frontiers a university can strive to reach, and announced two environmental stewardship projects he will focus on – making the campus green and adapting to climate change.

Healing our broken relationship with creation
17 Oct 2011

Healing our broken relationship with creation

by | posted in: Reconciliation with Creation, Social Justice | 0

Father General Fr Adolfo Nicolás SJ has called on all Jesuits to restore and heal humanity’s broken relationship with creation with the same urgency as we are called to serve a faith that does justice.

In a letter to the whole Society on September 16, Father General encouraged the Society to make a commitment to the sustainability of our planet and invited Jesuits to review personal, communal and institutional lifestyles and practices in accordance with this mission of reconciliation with creation.