The Jesuit Provincials of Europe and the Middle East, together with the Provincials of Africa-Madagascar, issued a statement on migration and asylum on October 25, 2013. That same day, the Provincials of Europe and Middle East also issued a declaration on Syria.
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In September, the six Conference Presidents gathered in Rome for their annual meeting with Fr General. Although we came from very different parts of the world, we could experience much in common in our roles of service to the Society’s global mission.
Seventeen Jesuit scholastics were ordained deacon in Manila on September 8. They were an international group from nine Provinces and Regions in three Conferences, Asia Pacific, South Asia and Africa. Six of the new deacons are from the Philippine Province and the other 11 from Arrupe International Residence (AIR).
Representatives from each Jesuit Province converged on Nairobi, Kenya, for the Congregation of Procurators that was held from July 9 to 15, 2012.
The Congregation of Procurators is called into session by Father General every four years after the end of a General Congregation. The 84 Procurators present were elected by their Provinces and 13 others participated ex officio. There were 7 Procurators from Africa, 14 from Latin America, 18 from South Asia, 7 from Asia Pacific, 29 from South, Central- Eastern and Western Europe, 9 from the United States.
The Society is now at a new stage brought about by a couple of converging factors – the demographic realities and how we can best serve the universal mission today.
Our numbers have been in decline for the last 40 years – from over 30,000 in the 1960s to fewer than 18,000 today. The steep declines in Europe and North America and consistent decline in Latin America have not been offset by the significant increase in South Asia and a small rise in Africa.
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”.
Jesuit Mission and JRS Australia have pledged their support to an urgent appeal by the Jesuit Province of East Africa and JRS East Africa. Funds are desperately needed to help victims of a severe famine that has been triggered by the worst drought in half a century in the Horn of Africa.
Following last summer’s wonderfully successful MAGiS08 event at World Youth Day in Sydney, MAGiS initiatives are springing up in many countries and regions.
MAGiS09 Africa is one – an Ignatian program for young adults in Kenya and Tanzania in August this year. MAGiS09 hopes to draw young people not only from the East African countries but also internationally.