CJI’s Christmas Appeal this year focuses on livelihood support as integral to the good news announced to the shepherds:
Good news in Darjeeling, India.
(Photo: J. Cafiso/CJI)
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour.” (Luke 2:8–11)
On the four Sundays of Advent leading up to Christmas, CJI is highlighting four important livelihood projects:
1. Colombia: Livelihood support for internally displaced people accompanied by Jesuit Refugee Service
2. India: Livelihood justice for marginalized communities served by Lok Manch (People’s Forum)
3. South Sudan: Livelihood assistance for civil war victims who are given food and other necessities by the Jesuit Eastern Africa Province
4. Syria: Livelihood essentials for internally displaced children through education and psychosocial support from Jesuit Refugee Service
To read more about this “good new of great joy for all,” download a copy of the Christmas Appeal folder.
In her Christmas Appeal letter, CJI director Jenny Cafiso writes:
The angel’s announcement of good news of great joy for all seems highly improbable at a time when fear seems to have gripped the world … Yet we know that this is not a vague or empty promise. Jesus invites all of us to fulfill this message of joy for all by committing our lives to love, peace and justice for all.
This year you can show your commitment to the people of Colombia, India, South Sudan and Syria who need the good news of livelihood support so that they can lead dignified lives and experience genuine joy.
To support the work of CJI this Christmas, please 
(Choose “Greatest Need” or a specific project, and write “2017 Christmas Appeal” in the message box. Thank you!)
Reviewing production techniques in the village of Bella Doris, Colombia. (Photo: Cindy Jimenez/SJR)
