“Do not be afraid.
I am bringing you good news
of great joy for all the people. ”

By Jenny Cafiso

Whenever I come across this Scripture passage, I’m always struck by the fact that the angel delivers the good news about the birth of Jesus to a group of shepherds.  Shepherds were considered ordinary, unsophisticated folk, living on the margins of society, often overlooked or dismissed by those in positions of power and privilege. Why were they the ones chosen to receive news of such significance? The choice may seem surprising. Yet, when one thinks about the humble way Jesus came into this world, laying in a manger after his birth, this choice becomes fitting. By choosing the shepherds, Jesus reversed the world's order, and put in first place, the poor, the forgotten, and the lowly.

As I reflect on this Gospel passage, I recall a gathering I attended in August of the Indigenous Solidarity and Apostolate Network (RSAI) of the Conference of Jesuit Provincials of Latin America and the Caribbean. The event was held in Cerocahui, a remote village in Chihuahua, Mexico. It brought together people from across the Americas and beyond, united by a shared commitment to justice, solidarity, and hope for a just world.

The encounter was intense, deeply moving, and spirit filled. We met at the Jesuit house, located beside the church where, in 2022, two Jesuits and a lay person were tragically killed after the latter took refuge in the church, following a run-in with a local drug lord. The presence of drug lords in this town permeates every aspect of people’s lives, casting a long shadow of fear and violence.

I was inspired by the Jesuits who live there. They live simply, guided by an uncompromising option for the poor. They are deeply rooted in the lives and struggles of the people, embodying the very Gospel they proclaim. In this context, the simple act of “being with” the poor and marginalized, is a radical choice. With the poor, they share insecurity, and even violent death. Throughout the gathering, we were accompanied by Indigenous leaders and communities who grounded our experience in prayer, song, and reflection, which honoured the earth and the rich spirituality and knowledge of Indigenous people.

In a context marked by suffering, threats, and uncertainty, we witnessed extraordinary faith and resilience. As participants declared in a joint communique: “Pain can also be danced, prayed, and shared, and, in that sharing, we find new life, solidarity, and the courage to continue weaving the dream of another world — one rooted in justice, community, and hope.” These words capture the spirit of the people I encountered, who, like the shepherds, have heard the good news and, despite overwhelming challenges, choose to believe in God’s promise of salvation.

The good news of the Gospel is for all people, reflecting the radically inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. Our Jesuit partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and you — our faithful supporters — have not only heard this message but are also living it out in tangible, life-giving ways. You embody the Christmas message of love, joy, and hope in the very support you extend.

Your support enables Fe y Alegria to promote integral ecology among students, educators and communities in educational and social centres across the Amazon. Integral ecology emphasizes the interconnectedness of life on Earth, a concept central to the worldview of many Indigenous cultures.

In Chiapas, Mexico, your support strengthens the work of the Jesuit-led Indigenous Rights Centre, which trains youth and other members of Tseltal communities in their own governance system. This project helps to strengthen Indigenous justice and reconciliation in their communities.

In South Sudan, the Jesuit Eastern Africa Province empowers poor communities through education, vocational training, and capacity-building programs. Thanks to your generosity, girls gain access to education, teachers receive stronger training, and small-scale farmers learn about climate-smart practices that safeguard both livelihoods and the land.

In rural Nepal, with your help, children from marginalized communities receive scholarships to study at the Jesuit-run St. Xavier’s Sadakbari, helping them to get a good education and the real possibility of a brighter future.

Thank you for your enduring support to Canadian Jesuits International, to our Jesuit partners, and to the communities they serve. Thank you for helping to spread the good news of great joy through your acts of solidarity and by sharing your blessings.

With gratitude and joy, I wish you a happy and blessed Christmas.

Jenny Cafiso
Executive Director