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  • Tribute to Fr Abe

Tribute to Fr Abe

02 September 2012 / Published in Tributes

Tribute to Fr Abe

Fr Joseph Murray Abraham SJ, a Canadian Jesuit who dedicated his life to giving education and agricultural livelihood opportunities to the poorest people in Darjeeling has died aged 87.

Fr Abe, as he was affectionately known, died in India on 28 August 2012, leaving behind Jesuits and lay people in Kurseong, part of Darjeeling district, to continue his outstanding work and loyal Canadian friends to support them. People from all walks of life thronged to his funeral to thank him for all he has done.

“It is a great loss for us. We’ll miss him very much,” said Cecilia George, director of SOJASI (Society of Jesus Agricultural and Social Institute), of which Fr Abe was one of the founders.

“When I visited him last week he said he was ready to go. He was weak then. Yesterday it happened very quickly. We couldn’t believe. But he passed away very peacefully.”

Fr Abe died shortly after noon on 28 August at a home run by the Flame of Hope Sisters in Matigara, Siliguri, where he had been staying since last November. His body was brought to St Paul’s Church in Kurseong, where people gathered and prayed together until 10pm. A funeral mass was held on 29 August at St Alphonsus High School — which he set up — followed by burial in the local cemetery.

People flocked to express their gratitude to the man who had done much to help them build lives of dignity and also enabled them to reach out to others in their turn.

“Fr Abe had the biggest funeral here in Kurseong. People from all walks of life kept paying their respects all day long,” said Fr Kinley Tshering SJ, the provincial of the Jesuit Darjeeling Province.

All shops and establishments were closed as a mark of respect and a funeral procession led by the Darjeeling Police Band “was so long we could not see the end or the beginning.” People lined up on both side of the road throwing flowers and ceremonial scarfs as Fr Abe’s coffin passed in a pick-up decked with flowers and a portrait in front. “It was a fitting farewell for a man who spent his life for the people here. The local and national papers carried articles about his contributions and achievements,” continued Fr Kinley.

“What impressed me personally was the many poor people who came to pay their respects. Many cried as they remembered what Abe had done for them.”

A Jesuit for 70 years, Fr Abe volunteered for the Canadian mission in Darjeeling in 1948. India had just achieved independence when Murray Abraham arrived for his first assignment at St Joseph’s North Point — teaching children of affluent families. He did an outstanding job as a teacher. But his heart was always with the disadvantaged who were everywhere in Darjeeling.

Going to Kurseong, the only school he found when he arrived was a broken down hotel. With help from Canadian friends and an unsecured loan from the Royal Bank, Fr Abraham and the community built the St Alphonsus School in the early sixties. It stands to this day, a high school for more than 1000 students.

“God blessed hundreds of children when He inspired Fr Abe to express the motto of St Alphonsus School as: The best education we can give to the poorest children we can find. Fr Abe was the school principal for 23 years and we poor students got an excellent academic education,” recalls Cecilia.

But there was more. Fr Abe started a poultry farm of 6,000 birds on the school roof, dividing the fowl into small “businesses” of 300 to 400 each. When he left St Alphonsus after more than 20 years, former students joined him to set up another enterprise in 1978: the St Alphonsus Social and Agricultural Centre (SASAC).

The organic revolution had begun in Kurseong and Fr Abe wanted, and succeeded, to get the poorest people to benefit, so that they could have access to food as well as an opportunity to live and raise a family from food production.

“At SASAC, we developed projects to ‘help the poor help themselves.’ We conducted a survey in nine villages in the mountains. When we went there, we were much moved; the people seemed like lost sheep,” continues Cecilia.

“We trained 100 parents of the poorest families in dairy management, pork production, mushroom cultivation and our Square Metre Vegetable Gardening (SMVG) method, which increased the production on their half-acre farms tenfold.”

The closure of SASAC in 2007 was followed by the setting up of two institutions Woodcot and SOJASI; Fr Abe guided SOJASI and sat on its management committee until his death.

A prolific writer and mesmerising public speaker, Fr Abe drew in an army of Canadian friends who supported his projects and with whom he kept in regular correspondence over more than 50 years.

Shirley Valentine is one of his faithful supporters. “I met Fr Abraham when he toured Canada in 1961 and we have supported projects he founded since then, for more than 50 years,” she says.

“My mother also supported Fr Abraham and corresponded with him. My youngest sister visited him, spending Christmas at SASAC, and our eldest son, Tom, travelled to Kurseong and spent time teaching Nepali students English after graduation. We all realized we were part of an outstanding development — making a real difference in the lives of so many families in that corner of the world.”

Even after retiring, well into his eighties, Fr Abe began a poetry blog he continued up to the very end.

The prayers of Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) go out to Fr Abe’s family especially his nephews and nieces and the many friends who have supported him and his work over the years, as well as to all the members of SOJASI, Himalayan Hope, Flame of Hope communities and the many people in Kurseong who were touched by his life.

Information about memorial arrangements in Canada can be found here.

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On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff  had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. 

Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí —  stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. 

During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the  leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon.

In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures.  Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. 

The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. 

“This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. 

#jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
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On Monday, June 9, Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) staff had the honour of welcoming Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, S.J., to their office in Toronto. Cardinal Barreto — the Emeritus Metropolitan Archbishop of Huancayo (Peru), vice president of REPAM (Pan Amazon Ecclesial Network), key organizer of the Synod on the Amazon, and close collaborator of Pope Francis on Laudato Sí — stopped by on his way to the G7 Jubilee People’s Forum scheduled June 12-15 in Calgary. During his visit, Cardinal Barreto emphasized the urgent need to support Indigenous peoples, and highlighted the late Pope Francis’s message that Indigenous peoples are “the heart of the church,” and the guardians of nature. The Cardinal highlighted the leadership of Indigenous women in the church, citing Patricia Gualinga, a Kichwa leader and climate activist, as well as Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, a Franciscan Catechist and member of Brazil’s Kariri people, known for her advocacy for human rights and ecological justice in the Amazon. In Calgary, Cardinal Barreto will speak on socio-ecological justice, and reiterate the call made by church leaders for wealthy nations to cancel the debt of developing countries. Poor countries spent a record $1.4 trillion to service their foreign debt in 2023 alone, he said, citing World Bank figures. Cardinal Barreto echoed Pope Francis’ notion of “ecological debt” owed by wealthy nations to poorer nations suffering from a climate crisis they did little to cause. The Jubilee People’s Forum will gather pilgrims and activists from around the world and across Canada to learn, pray and take action in the lead up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit scheduled June 15 to 17 in Calgary. “This is a Kairos moment – a critical time for change” in the world, said Cardinal Barreto, as he urged CJI to continue its support for the poor and the marginalized. #jesuit #peru #socialjustice #jubilee #calgary #g7calgary #climatejustice #ecojustice
3 days ago
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On World Environment Day, June 5,  CJI reaffirms its commitment to ecological sustainability rooted in socio-environmental justice.  We believe ecological sustainability and social justice are inseparable. The Catholic Church, other faith traditions, environmental organizations, and community groups around the world share this vision. 
The preferential option for the poor and care for creation go hand in hand. Environmental degradation affects the poor the most. Extractive industries—like mining, logging, and large hydroelectric projects—often poison ecosystems and displace people from their ancestral lands, with devastating consequences. 
As Pope Francis once reminded us, "We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior…As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling."
Guided by our Jesuit partners, CJI supports Jesuit-led projects that support marginalized communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and promote the solidarity economy, care for our common home, use natural resources sustainably, defend traditional and ancestral lands, and develop productive economic activities that enable people to live in dignity and achieve justice.
Learn more about CJI projects on ecology and sustainability: https://bit.ly/3y00GMZ
canadianjesuitsinternational
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On World Environment Day, June 5, CJI reaffirms its commitment to ecological sustainability rooted in socio-environmental justice. We believe ecological sustainability and social justice are inseparable. The Catholic Church, other faith traditions, environmental organizations, and community groups around the world share this vision. The preferential option for the poor and care for creation go hand in hand. Environmental degradation affects the poor the most. Extractive industries—like mining, logging, and large hydroelectric projects—often poison ecosystems and displace people from their ancestral lands, with devastating consequences. As Pope Francis once reminded us, "We must not be indifferent or resigned to the loss of biodiversity and the destruction of ecosystems, often caused by our irresponsible and selfish behavior…As stewards of God's creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family. When we destroy our forests, ravage our soil and pollute our seas, we betray that noble calling." Guided by our Jesuit partners, CJI supports Jesuit-led projects that support marginalized communities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and promote the solidarity economy, care for our common home, use natural resources sustainably, defend traditional and ancestral lands, and develop productive economic activities that enable people to live in dignity and achieve justice. Learn more about CJI projects on ecology and sustainability: https://bit.ly/3y00GMZ
1 week ago
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2/9
Thank you to Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, (3rd from right), director of the Jesuit Refugee Service for the Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena region, for providing us with an overview of JRS's critical work in the region. It was gratifying to hear that JRS has not only transformed the lives of refugees and migrants, but also those of the staff.

CJI has partnered with JRS MENA for over a decade now. Over the past 10 years, CJI and its supporters have contributed $2,002,762 to help JRS provide education, livelihoods, psychosocial support, and humanitarian relief to refugees, migrants, and other marginalized communities.

Visit our website to learn more about Jesuit-led programs we support: Click link in bio.

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #JRS
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Thank you to Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, (3rd from right), director of the Jesuit Refugee Service for the Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena region, for providing us with an overview of JRS's critical work in the region. It was gratifying to hear that JRS has not only transformed the lives of refugees and migrants, but also those of the staff. CJI has partnered with JRS MENA for over a decade now. Over the past 10 years, CJI and its supporters have contributed $2,002,762 to help JRS provide education, livelihoods, psychosocial support, and humanitarian relief to refugees, migrants, and other marginalized communities. Visit our website to learn more about Jesuit-led programs we support: Click link in bio. #Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #JRS
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3/9
On Monday, June 2,  Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ,  Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing.

Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. 

“Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. 

He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.”

Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News 

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
On Monday, June 2,  Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ,  Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing.

Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. 

“Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. 

He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.”

Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News 

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
On Monday, June 2,  Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ,  Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing.

Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. 

“Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. 

He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.”

Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News 

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
On Monday, June 2,  Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ,  Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing.

Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. 

“Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. 

He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.”

Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News 

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
On Monday, June 2,  Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ,  Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing.

Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. 

“Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. 

He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.”

Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News 

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
On Monday, June 2,  Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ,  Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing.

Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. 

“Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. 

He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.”

Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News 

#Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
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On Monday, June 2, Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena, , spoke to CJI staff and supporters about a grim truth: forced displacement is rising—120 million people and counting—while aid is diminishing. Speaking to a small gathering in Toronto, Father Dan pointed to the drastic cuts in foreign aid—especially the US government’s decision to slash support for NGOs like JRS—as a troubling signal at a time of immense need. “Those people that are displaced aren’t displaced by choice… There is a tremendous need, and they are very vulnerable, whoever they are, however they arrive,” he said. He thanked CJI and its supporters for standing with JRS in times of war, earthquakes, explosions, and the daily struggles of working with the poor and marginalized “We’re very grateful for that continued solidarity… It is tremendous help to know that we have friends here.” Read the full story: Click link in bio to visit our website, then go to News #Jesuits #MiddleEast #refugees #socialjustice #canadianjesuitsinternational #cji #JRS
1 week ago
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4/9
On Sunday, July 1, about 80 members and guests of Holy Rosary Parish in Guelph, Ont., gathered for an event hosted by Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), featuring Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Middle East and North Africa.
Father Dan shared moving stories about the JRS's work in Lebanon, where they support Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities by providing humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, education, livelihood programs, and peace and reconciliation initiatives.
He also discussed the impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid on JRS and other NGOs working to assist the impoverished and marginalized in the Global South.
Last fall, with the help of CJI and the Xavier Network, the JRS provided emergency relief to families displaced by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, offering crucial support during a time of great need. CJI and the Xavier Network have also contributed to an appeal to help JRS continue its critical work, which has been disrupted by the U.S. aid cuts. Learn more, including how you can support the work of JRS in Lebanon: https://bit.ly/43AgAMS
On Sunday, July 1, about 80 members and guests of Holy Rosary Parish in Guelph, Ont., gathered for an event hosted by Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), featuring Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Middle East and North Africa.
Father Dan shared moving stories about the JRS's work in Lebanon, where they support Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities by providing humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, education, livelihood programs, and peace and reconciliation initiatives.
He also discussed the impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid on JRS and other NGOs working to assist the impoverished and marginalized in the Global South.
Last fall, with the help of CJI and the Xavier Network, the JRS provided emergency relief to families displaced by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, offering crucial support during a time of great need. CJI and the Xavier Network have also contributed to an appeal to help JRS continue its critical work, which has been disrupted by the U.S. aid cuts. Learn more, including how you can support the work of JRS in Lebanon: https://bit.ly/43AgAMS
On Sunday, July 1, about 80 members and guests of Holy Rosary Parish in Guelph, Ont., gathered for an event hosted by Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), featuring Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Middle East and North Africa.
Father Dan shared moving stories about the JRS's work in Lebanon, where they support Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities by providing humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, education, livelihood programs, and peace and reconciliation initiatives.
He also discussed the impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid on JRS and other NGOs working to assist the impoverished and marginalized in the Global South.
Last fall, with the help of CJI and the Xavier Network, the JRS provided emergency relief to families displaced by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, offering crucial support during a time of great need. CJI and the Xavier Network have also contributed to an appeal to help JRS continue its critical work, which has been disrupted by the U.S. aid cuts. Learn more, including how you can support the work of JRS in Lebanon: https://bit.ly/43AgAMS
On Sunday, July 1, about 80 members and guests of Holy Rosary Parish in Guelph, Ont., gathered for an event hosted by Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), featuring Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Middle East and North Africa.
Father Dan shared moving stories about the JRS's work in Lebanon, where they support Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities by providing humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, education, livelihood programs, and peace and reconciliation initiatives.
He also discussed the impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid on JRS and other NGOs working to assist the impoverished and marginalized in the Global South.
Last fall, with the help of CJI and the Xavier Network, the JRS provided emergency relief to families displaced by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, offering crucial support during a time of great need. CJI and the Xavier Network have also contributed to an appeal to help JRS continue its critical work, which has been disrupted by the U.S. aid cuts. Learn more, including how you can support the work of JRS in Lebanon: https://bit.ly/43AgAMS
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On Sunday, July 1, about 80 members and guests of Holy Rosary Parish in Guelph, Ont., gathered for an event hosted by Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), featuring Fr. Dan Corrou, SJ, director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in the Middle East and North Africa. Father Dan shared moving stories about the JRS's work in Lebanon, where they support Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese communities by providing humanitarian aid, psychosocial support, education, livelihood programs, and peace and reconciliation initiatives. He also discussed the impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid on JRS and other NGOs working to assist the impoverished and marginalized in the Global South. Last fall, with the help of CJI and the Xavier Network, the JRS provided emergency relief to families displaced by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, offering crucial support during a time of great need. CJI and the Xavier Network have also contributed to an appeal to help JRS continue its critical work, which has been disrupted by the U.S. aid cuts. Learn more, including how you can support the work of JRS in Lebanon: https://bit.ly/43AgAMS
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
We're Hiring: Operations Manager
📍 Toronto-based | Hybrid

Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is looking for a versatile and dedicated Operations Manager to join our small, dynamic team. 

If you're driven by a passion for social justice and global solidarity, this is your chance to make meaningful impact.

CJI is the international solidarity agency of the Jesuits of Canada, supporting marginalized communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. 

We work with Jesuit partners on four core themes:
📚 The Right to Education
🌱 Ecological Sustainability
🛑 Rights of Forced Displaced People
✊ Human Rights, Civic Participation & Peace Building
We also lead education and advocacy efforts in Canada to promote global justice.

As Operations Manager, you’ll report to the Executive Director and play a key leadership role in strengthening day-to-day operations, managing staff and contractors, and supporting the CJI Board. The position evolves with the organization — ideal for someone who thrives in a responsive, purpose-driven environment.

Ready to help build a just & sustainable world?

📌 Learn more + apply: https://bit.ly/CJIOperations

#Hiring #SocialJusticeJobs #OperationsManager #NGOCareers #CJI #Jesuits #GlobalSolidarity #HumanRights #InternationalDevelopment
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We're Hiring: Operations Manager 📍 Toronto-based | Hybrid Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) is looking for a versatile and dedicated Operations Manager to join our small, dynamic team. If you're driven by a passion for social justice and global solidarity, this is your chance to make meaningful impact. CJI is the international solidarity agency of the Jesuits of Canada, supporting marginalized communities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We work with Jesuit partners on four core themes: 📚 The Right to Education 🌱 Ecological Sustainability 🛑 Rights of Forced Displaced People ✊ Human Rights, Civic Participation & Peace Building We also lead education and advocacy efforts in Canada to promote global justice. As Operations Manager, you’ll report to the Executive Director and play a key leadership role in strengthening day-to-day operations, managing staff and contractors, and supporting the CJI Board. The position evolves with the organization — ideal for someone who thrives in a responsive, purpose-driven environment. Ready to help build a just & sustainable world? 📌 Learn more + apply: https://bit.ly/CJIOperations #Hiring #SocialJusticeJobs #OperationsManager #NGOCareers #CJI #Jesuits #GlobalSolidarity #HumanRights #InternationalDevelopment
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
In Bourj Hammoud, a densely populated neighbourhood in Beirut, the odds are stacked against thousands of Syrian refugee children and vulnerable Lebanese families. Nearly half of school-age Syrian refugees are not in school, and more than a third of young adults never attended school (UNHCR, 2023). The barriers are many and include poverty and discrimination. 

That’s why Canadian Jesuits International supports the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena in Lebanon. JRS provides inclusive and safe learning environments for children. JRS also offers mental health and psychosocial support and pathways to dignity through livelihood training, coaching, and mentorship.
At JRS educational and social centers, hope is being restored—one student, one family, and one future at a time. 

Learn more, including how you can support this transformative work: Link in bio to visit our website, click Programs. 

#Jesuit #socialjustice #Syrianrefugees #Lebanon #BourjHammound #JRS 

Photo: JRS MENA
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In Bourj Hammoud, a densely populated neighbourhood in Beirut, the odds are stacked against thousands of Syrian refugee children and vulnerable Lebanese families. Nearly half of school-age Syrian refugees are not in school, and more than a third of young adults never attended school (UNHCR, 2023). The barriers are many and include poverty and discrimination. That’s why Canadian Jesuits International supports the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East and North Africa @jrs_mena in Lebanon. JRS provides inclusive and safe learning environments for children. JRS also offers mental health and psychosocial support and pathways to dignity through livelihood training, coaching, and mentorship. At JRS educational and social centers, hope is being restored—one student, one family, and one future at a time. Learn more, including how you can support this transformative work: Link in bio to visit our website, click Programs. #Jesuit #socialjustice #Syrianrefugees #Lebanon #BourjHammound #JRS Photo: JRS MENA
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
With support from Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), Asociación Fe y Alegría Panama — a member of the Jesuit Migrant Network, is responding to the urgent needs of 500 migrants and returnees, many recently deported from the U.S.

The six-month emergency response will deliver shelter, food, hygiene kits, medicines, clothing, water, and transportation
🏠 Shelter
🍲 Food
🧼 Hygiene kits
💊 Medicines
👕 Clothing
💧 Water
🚌 Transportation

Learn more: Click link in bio to visit our website

#socialjustice #Jesuit #Panama #migrants #refugees
With support from Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), Asociación Fe y Alegría Panama — a member of the Jesuit Migrant Network, is responding to the urgent needs of 500 migrants and returnees, many recently deported from the U.S.

The six-month emergency response will deliver shelter, food, hygiene kits, medicines, clothing, water, and transportation
🏠 Shelter
🍲 Food
🧼 Hygiene kits
💊 Medicines
👕 Clothing
💧 Water
🚌 Transportation

Learn more: Click link in bio to visit our website

#socialjustice #Jesuit #Panama #migrants #refugees
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With support from Canadian Jesuits International (CJI), Asociación Fe y Alegría Panama — a member of the Jesuit Migrant Network, is responding to the urgent needs of 500 migrants and returnees, many recently deported from the U.S. The six-month emergency response will deliver shelter, food, hygiene kits, medicines, clothing, water, and transportation 🏠 Shelter 🍲 Food 🧼 Hygiene kits 💊 Medicines 👕 Clothing 💧 Water 🚌 Transportation Learn more: Click link in bio to visit our website #socialjustice #Jesuit #Panama #migrants #refugees
2 weeks ago
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8/9
The path to gender equality in India remains challenging, with women comprising 54% of the country's impoverished population. 

They also face persistent discrimination, according to UN Women: 
* 23.3% of young women are married before the age of 18 
* Only 31.2% participate in the labour force 
* 35% experience intimate partner violence 
* Only 14.7% representation in Parliament 

Lok Manch, a Jesuit-run community-driven platform supported by Canadian Jesuits International, is tackling these systemic barriers head-on, maintaining a 50-50 gender balance in all programs. Working across 16 states with over 100 partner organizations, Lok Manch empowers women through microfinance, skills training and education about their rights. 

Learn more: Click link in bio, 2025 Spring and Summer Newsletter, or go to bit.ly/CJI_LokManch 

#Jesuit #India #womensrights #socialjustice #genderequality
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The path to gender equality in India remains challenging, with women comprising 54% of the country's impoverished population. They also face persistent discrimination, according to UN Women: * 23.3% of young women are married before the age of 18 * Only 31.2% participate in the labour force * 35% experience intimate partner violence * Only 14.7% representation in Parliament Lok Manch, a Jesuit-run community-driven platform supported by Canadian Jesuits International, is tackling these systemic barriers head-on, maintaining a 50-50 gender balance in all programs. Working across 16 states with over 100 partner organizations, Lok Manch empowers women through microfinance, skills training and education about their rights. Learn more: Click link in bio, 2025 Spring and Summer Newsletter, or go to bit.ly/CJI_LokManch #Jesuit #India #womensrights #socialjustice #genderequality
2 weeks ago
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9/9
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