The suffering of the Church in Cambodia
18 Aug 2012

The suffering of the Church in Cambodia

by | posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

In a recent interview, Fr Enrique (Kike) Figaredo Alvargonzález SJ, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, spoke of the suffering of the Church in Cambodia under the persecution of the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s.

“It is a martyr Church,” said Fr Figaredo. “The Church in Cambodia was completely levelled. All our leaders… bishops, priests, nuns, many catechists, were killed. Those who weren’t killed died of hunger or disease, and the community remained in a very bad state.”

The suffering did not end after the end of the regime.

Where the Church can serve in Myanmar
17 Jul 2012

Where the Church can serve in Myanmar

by | posted in: Education, Interreligious Dialogue, Migration, Social Justice | 0

Myanmar is at a crossroads; an exciting point in its history as a nation. One of the poorest, most ethnically diverse and conflict-prone societies in Southeast Asia, Myanmar is now emerging from decades of isolation. Changes are afoot, as the release, election to parliament and recent travel abroad of Aung San Suu Kyi demonstrate.  A parliament is in place; interim elections passed without major offences. Many political prisoners have been released.  The demands to halt construction of the Irrawaddy Dam project appear to have been heeded. 

JRS publishes guide for advocates in Southeast Asia
17 Jul 2012

JRS publishes guide for advocates in Southeast Asia

by | posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

Jesuit Refugee Service Asia Pacific has published a practical guide for advocates of asylum seekers and refugees in five countries in Southeast Asia.  Entitled “The Search: Protection Space in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines and Cambodia in Practice”, the document will help advocates in these countries to give accurate informat

A simple man
23 Jun 2012

A simple man

by | posted in: Education | 0

Fr Pierre Ceyrac SJ died in Chennai late last month at the age of 98. He was one of the most remarkable Jesuits I have met. Several entries in Wikipedia refer to him, always as ‘the famous Pierre Ceyrac’. This epithet usually designates someone with a well-crafted public personality. Pierre was different. He was so totally transparent that he invited everyone he met into his inner self. That is why he became so widely known and loved.

Honoured for remaining with the oppressed
23 Jun 2012

Honoured for remaining with the oppressed

by | posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

Portuguese Jesuit Father José Alves Martíns was one of six consecrated religious men awarded Timor Leste’s second highest medal by the newly sworn-in President, Taur Matan Ruak, on the occasion of 10th anniversary of the country’s restoration of independence on May 20, 2012.  The President conferred upon the religious the Medalha de Mérito de Dom Marito da Costa Lópes on May 22 in recognition of their contributions during the struggle and fight of the people of Timor Leste for independence during the 24 years of Indonesian occupation from 1975 to 1999.

You are not forgotten
23 Jun 2012

You are not forgotten

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

“You are not forgotten,” said Aung San Suu Kyi.  “Pass this message to those behind you and on to others.” Not permitted a microphone, the Burmese pro-democracy leader called out to the crowd of refugees and migrants at the border refugee encampment of Mae La in May on her first visit abroad in 24 years.  Her clear message of hope quickly reached the hundreds of thousands of Myanmar citizens, who had waited decades in squalid jungle camps along the length of the 1,300 km Thai-Myanmar border.

Discussing faith, social justice and public policy
23 May 2012

Discussing faith, social justice and public policy

by | posted in: Interreligious Dialogue, Migration, Social Justice | 0

The Metta Karuna Reflection Centre in Siem Riep, Cambodia hosted an open discussion on faith and its impact and influence on public policy on May 10.  The discussion flowed from a lecture delivered by Fr Frank Brennan SJ on “Faith, Social Justice and Public Policy”.  Fr Brennan is Professor of Law with the Public Policy Institute,

, , , ,
How long would you last?
22 Apr 2012

How long would you last?

by | posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

Imagine your feelings if every time you visited a particular friend you were searched, asked a series of intimidating questions and then taken to a hostile and foreign environment. What if that friend was more of an acquaintance? How long would you be able to handle such difficult visiting conditions? A week? Two weeks?

Fostering peace and justice in Cambodia and beyond
22 Apr 2012

Fostering peace and justice in Cambodia and beyond

by | posted in: Education, Interreligious Dialogue, Social Justice, Spirituality | 0

The Metta Karuna Reflection Centre provided a sacred space for reflection for Hindu, Muslim and Christian peace seekers from Pakistan and Indian Kashmir in March.

“Many said the time of reflection they spent in our inter-faith sacred space helped them crystallise their desires and arouse their imagination for a peaceful way forward,” said centre founder and director of Jesuit Refugee Service Cambodia Sr Denise Coghlan RSM. “It was a special moment as Hindus, Muslims and Christians gathered around a very concrete and specific peace challenge in Kashmir.”

Fr General on refugees, communications and social justice
20 Mar 2012

Fr General on refugees, communications and social justice

by | posted in: Education, Social Communications, Social Justice, Spirituality | 0

While he was in Australia in January, Fr General Adolfo Nicolás SJ responded to questions on vital areas for the Society in the country, including refugees, communications and social justice.

Refugees

How can we advance and expand the educational work that is being done to foster peace-building and reconciliation in post-conflict settings?  

Fr General’s response.