Gabriel Kofi Akpah, SJ: “I was drawn to CJI because its mission closely reflects what attracted me to the Society of Jesus in the first place: a commitment to ‘a faith that does justice.'” Photo: Submitted
Before coming to Canada to study, Gabriel Kofi Akpah, SJ, a Jesuit *scholastic from Ghana, taught philosophy at St. Paul’s Major Seminary in Sierra Leone. He also spent several years studying and living in various parts of Africa, including Liberia, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These experiences deepened his appreciation for cultural diversity “and the many ways people seek meaning, hope and community,” he said. They are also helping to inform his “field placement” (practical experience) related to his academic studies at Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) over the summer. Gabriel is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity, a Bachelor of Theology and a Diploma in Spiritual Direction at Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, at the University of Toronto. “I’ve always been interested in questions about faith, justice, leadership, and what it means to make the world a better place,” he said.
Outside of school, he enjoys reading, writing, mentoring young people, and engaging in conversations that encourage deeper thinking about life and one’s place in the world, he said. “One of the things I value the most is learning from people with different experiences and cultures.”
CJI asked Gabriel some questions related to his placement at CJI. Excerpts:
What made you decide to apply for a placement at CJI?
I was drawn to CJI because its mission closely reflects what attracted me to the Society of Jesus in the first place: a commitment to “a faith that does justice.” Throughout my formation and academic journey, I have become increasingly interested in how people of faith can respond to issues such as poverty, inequality, displacement, and environmental challenges in meaningful ways.
Having lived and worked in different African contexts, I have seen both the resilience of communities and the structural challenges many people face. CJI’s emphasis on global solidarity, advocacy, and partnership with communities in the Global South resonated strongly with me. I saw this field placement as an opportunity to learn how a Jesuit apostolate engages these issues while helping Canadians connect their faith with action for justice.
What expectations, if any, do you have about the placement? What are you hoping to learn, or what skills are you hoping to gain?
I’m looking forward to learning how a Jesuit social justice apostolate turns its values and mission into concrete programs and initiatives. Much of my experience has been in academic formation and teaching, so I am excited to learn how research, education, communications, and advocacy work together to promote social change.
I also hope to learn how organizations like CJI build partnerships, raise awareness about global issues, and encourage people, especially young people to become involved in the work of justice and solidarity. Most importantly, I would like to grow in my ability to connect theological reflection with concrete action and to better understand how Jesuit social justice apostolates accompany communities and respond to contemporary social challenges.
What skills are you hoping to share with CJI?
I hope to bring my experience as a researcher and my background in philosophy and theology. Teaching has taught me how to communicate ideas clearly, facilitate discussions, accompany students in their growth, and help people engage thoughtfully with complex issues.
I also bring the perspective of someone who has lived, studied, and worked across several countries and cultures. Those experiences have shaped my appreciation for dialogue, collaboration, and intercultural understanding. I look forward to sharing those perspectives, and learning from the staff, partners, and communities connected to CJI.
*A Jesuit who is preparing to become a priest or brother in the Society of Jesus is known as a “scholastic” until he takes his final vows.
