by Jenny Cafiso, CJI Executive Director

Two images are vivid in my mind as I look back at 2025. One is of people in projects that we support who had to stop providing life-saving medication after learning that same morning that their funding from the US government aid agencies had been cut off.

The other is about an elderly Jesuit priest whom I met in a small town in Northern Mexico, recounting the time two years earlier when two of his Jesuit companions were brutally murdered at the altar in front of him, by a drug lord. When asked if he wanted to leave, he replied, “Where should I go? I belong among the people here.”

These two contrasting images not only summarize the worst and the best of humanity. They inspire me to start the new year with renewed commitment to building a just and peaceful world.

I am reminded of Pope Francis’ quote "Too often we participate in the globalization of indifference. May we strive instead to live global solidarity."  He never stopped reminding us not to become inured to the pain and suffering of others, especially the poor and marginalized.  As we begin a new year, we are faced with a choice: indifference or a commitment to solidarity with the excluded.

In these challenging times CJI and our Jesuit partners and supporters have intensified our efforts to “live global solidarity” by working alongside those who are struggling for social justice and dignity.

In the last fiscal year, together with our 35 Jesuit partners in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, CJI served more than 21, 500 people in 22 countries through 39 projects that focus on the right to education; ecology and sustainability; human rights, civic participation and peacebuilding; and the rights of forcibly displaced people.

To better understand the realities, needs, and aspirations of the communities that our partners work with, last year CJI staff and I visited six countries to visit some of these projects. (See related story, pages 7 and 8.) These visits have been a source of inspiration and hope for us. Seeing the fruits of people’s generosity and the work of the Jesuits and laypeople affirms the fact that we are companions, walking together for a common mission.

CJI’s education, advocacy and awareness raising work among Canadians, particularly Catholic high school students, remains an important form of solidarity.

During a webinar in celebration of CJI’s 70^th year in September, speakers paid tribute to CJI’s commitment to a faith that seeks and does justice. We know that none of this would have been possible without the support of our Jesuit partners, our donors, supporters, and friends. We look forward to continuing our journey of solidarity with you.