“Light dawns for the righteous.

– Psalm 97:11

The Star of Bethlehem is one of the most recognizable images of the biblical Christmas story. It is the bright light that led those who had the wisdom to see, known as the Three Wise Men from the East, to the newborn Jesus.

For Christians, the star symbolizes the divine light that is the source of hope and all goodness. It is this light “that dawns for the righteous.”

I am writing this letter while visiting some rural communities in El Salvador that are poor and lack the basic services that are their right. These communities seem to have been forgotten by the state and by other institutions.

In the same communities, we were welcomed by groups, mostly women, who had organized themselves into "savings clubs" and cooperatives. The women have been able to save money and have also been able to start small income-generating activities.  The savings and the income they make have enabled them to improve their living conditions such as repairing a leaky roof and sending their children to school.

Canadian Jesuits International supports these initiatives through its work with a Jesuit network called COMPARTE which means “sharing.” This network helps communities across Latin America share knowledge and initiatives on how to generate income to have more dignified conditions of life.

The enthusiasm, optimism, hard work and dreams that I heard from the women in these communities, in what would otherwise seem to be bleak conditions, was inspiring. They are truly a light for the righteous.

I find this Scripture for the Christmas Dawn Mass especially comforting in a year that has seen so much darkness. I think of intractable wars and conflicts such as those in Gaza, Myanmar, Sudan, Ukraine and now Lebanon, that have forcibly displaced millions of people, the climate crisis, the rise of authoritarianism, poverty, and inequality worldwide, to name a few.

It would be easy to despair in the face of these enormous global challenges. But as we reflect on our faith and the promise of this passage, “light dawns for the righteous,” we can dare to hope.

Psalm 97:11 is a powerful reminder that while it may seem that the dark forces of tyranny, greed, corruption, extremism, and indifference rule the world, they are no match for the defenders of justice, peace, and righteousness. They are no match for the energy, optimism, commitment, and hard work of the women in the rural communities of El Salvador.

This work could not happen without your support. CJI’s Jesuit partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America and you, our faithful supporters, are helping to bring light to dark places in the world where the poor and marginalized struggle to meet basic needs, where human rights are violated, and where the absence of peace forces people to flee.

The Jesuit-based RSAI Solidarity Network of the Indigenous Apostolate harnesses the light – the wisdom and leadership – of Indigenous women in Latin America to defend their ancestral lands and cultures against exploitative industries that destroy their natural resources and communities.

Radio Progreso and ERIC (Reflection, Investigation and Communications Team) shed light on the social, economic, and political situation in Honduras so that its citizens are properly informed and empowered to bring about change for the common good.

In South Sudan, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a light on the feet of thousands of refugees fleeing the war in Sudan. JRS provides health services, as well as safe spaces and educational support so that children can be fully integrated into local schools.

The Human Life Research and Development Centre (HLDRC) in India is a beacon for tea workers, especially women, who are often deprived of their rights. The HLDRC educates tea workers about their rights and how to obtain them. It also provides livelihood support to the poorest among them.

Thank you for continuing to support Canadian Jesuits International and our partners in the Global South. Thanks to you, “light dawns on the righteous,” reflecting God’s love and call for justice for all humanity.

I wish you a happy and blessed Christmas.

Jenny Cafiso
Executive Director

Banner photo: A mother and her child were among the hundreds of thousands who fled Sudan when war broke out in early 2023 and sought refuge in South Sudan. Photo:Paula Casado Aguirregabiria/JRS

 

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

1 December 2024

“Make me to know your ways, O Lord.”
– Psalm 25:4

LATIN AMERICA: INDIGENOUS WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FOR CLIMATE ACTION

A project of the Jesuit-based RSAI Solidarity Network of the Indigenous Apostolate strengthens the leadership of Indigenous women in Latin America as they defend their ancestral lands and culture and fight against climate change. As custodians of their territories, Indigenous women hold traditional knowledge of environmental stewardship that protects our common home. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recognizes that “while indigenous peoples make up only 6.2% of the world's population, they protect 80% of the world's remaining biodiversity.” RSAI’s project enables Indigenous women to exchange ideas, conduct research and advocate against industries that exploit their natural resources and destroy communities.
PHOTO: Indigenous women are the custodians of traditional ecological knowledge that protects our common home. (RSAI/CPAL)

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8 December 2024

“That your love may overflow more and more.” 
– Philippians 1:9

HONDURAS: SOLIDARITY WITH SOCIAL JUSTICE & HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

As Hondurans continue to struggle with widespread poverty, inequality, systemic corruption, and human rights violations, the Jesuit-run Radio Progreso and ERIC (Reflection, Investigation and Communications Team) remain steadfast in their pursuit of social justice. Responding to the Gospel call to love the least among us, they accompany Hondurans by raising awareness of economic, social and political issues, especially those that disproportionately affect the poor and marginalized. Their latest project strengthens the capacity of grassroots organizations working on issues such as the defense of ancestral territories, local control of natural resources, and human rights.
PHOTO: ERIC-Radio Progreso’s programs raise awareness of social, economic, and political issues affecting Hondurans, 80% of whom live in poverty. (ERIC-Radio Progreso)

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

15 December 2024

“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none.” 
– Luke 3:11

SOUTH SUDAN: SUPPORT FOR FORCIBLY DISPLACED PEOPLE

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) provides education and health services to internally displaced persons in South Sudan, and, more recently, to refugees and returnees fleeing the war in Sudan. Approximately nine million people have been uprooted by the war; more than two million have fled across neighbouring borders. JRS provides learning spaces that protect children and promote social inclusion. Families are supported so that their children can be fully integrated into local schools. JRS also provides rehabilitation and health services, as well as domestic needs such as mattresses.
PHOTO: Refugees from Sudan receive health care and educational support from Jesuit Refugee Service upon arrival in Renk, South Sudan. (JRS-South Sudan)

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

22 December 2024

“Blessed are you among women.” 
– Luke 1:42

INDIA: LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT & ADVOCACY FOR TEA WORKERS

Tea workers in India, especially women, are often denied their rights and subjected to exploitation by plantations and government agencies. Women make up half of the plantation workforce and almost all work as tea pickers, earning the lowest minimum wage. The Jesuit-run Human Life Research and Development Centre educates tea workers about their rights and helps them obtain benefits. It also provides livelihood support to workers who have lost their jobs in tea gardens that have been closed and converted into commercial centres.
PHOTO: Women tea pickers in India earn the lowest minimum wage and are often denied their rights. (HLDRC)
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