New Challenges Facing the JRS
The world of forced displacement has changed dramatically since 1980. The number of forcibly displaced persons worldwide has increased from 16 to 45 million. Yet, there are fewer places for refugees to go.
The story of the Jesuit Refugee Service is about the lives and hopes of people whom we know personally.
In response, JRS intervention needs to remain focused on the most forgotten, those unheard, and those who are not being served by others, said former JRS International Director, Mark Raper SJ.
Fr Raper was speaking at a conference held at the Pontifical Gregorian University to mark 30 years of Jesuit service to refugees, The World mobilised, The Jesuit response to refugees. The conference was organised by three Jesuit organisations, JRS International, Centro Astalli and Magis as a part of a calendar of events held in Rome between 9 and 14 November.
Refugees and other migrants – who often use the same routes and smugglers – leave behind the same oppressive human rights situations. The numbers of internally displaced persons, frequently unable to leave their own countries, undocumented workers, stranded migrants and trafficked persons, especially women and children, have all increased.
Unrestricted by a narrow mandate like specialised UN and other agencies, the three factors – compassion, the mission, structure and strengths of the Society of Jesus, and the resourcefulness of the many lay partners working for refugees – which inspired the establishment of JRS are still crucial today.
All three factors have helped to build a global organisation, and without any one of them, JRS would fall apart, said Fr Raper, currently president of the Asia Pacific Jesuit Conference.
Accompaniment, an expression of compassion
"The story of the Jesuit Refugee Service is about the lives and hopes of people whom we know personally. JRS opens a door of insight, beyond transitory and shocking images, into the inspiring efforts of people to defend their rights, protect their families and give their children a future", said Fr Raper.
"All associated with JRS will tell you: 'the refugees are our teachers'. From them we learn much. As an organisation, the Jesuit Refugee Service was built from the bottom up. Experiences in the field and reflection on those experiences gave JRS its shape", he added.
The Asia Pacific Conference president spoke of the importance of JRS to Jesuits. Paraphrasing the former Jesuit superior general and JRS founder, Fr Pedro Arrupe, he said working for refugees will be good for the Society of Jesus, and by extension, society in general.
Looking through the eyes of the people we serve we are given a fresh view, a new perspective, sometimes of joy, sometimes of shock. Forever after the world is a different place", added Fr Raper.
Society of Jesus and lay volunteers
JRS was established as a supranational network, able to draw on the local knowledge and ready support of Jesuits and friends around the globe. Later, as the Jesuits implemented the decisions of the Second Vatican Council, they were called on to serve faith through the promotion of justice.
"The truth of this is demonstrated by its martyrs … murdered by people antagonised by those who live out a faith that does justice. JRS has many brothers and sisters who have given their lives in the course of their service. We honour them too in this anniversary", Fr Raper said.
But none of what has been achieved, an organisation working in 51 countries delivering a range of services to more than 500,000 people, could have been done without the contribution of lay staff, friends and volunteers. JRS has built up marvellous relationships with local churches, UN agencies, other NGOs and governments. Its impact derives from the credibility of its presence in the field.
Other commemorative events
On 13 and 14, concerts will be held in San Saba and the Gesù churches at 19:30 and 19:00 respectively, also marking 400 years since the death of Matteo Ricci SJ, an Italian priest, and one of the founding figures of the Jesuit China Mission.
The orchestra, Sonidos de la Tierra, comprising a group of 40 young musicians from marginalised communities, some of whom are displaced, will play modern and traditional music from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. The theme, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers, is a testimony to the dream of a world at peace without borders.
JRS DISPATCHES is sent from the International Office of the Jesuit Refugee Service, CP 6139, 00195 Roma Prati, Italy. Tel: +39-06 68977468; Fax: +39-06 6897 7461; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; JRS online: http://www.jrs.net; Publisher: Peter Balleis SJ; Editor: James Stapleton; Translation: Carles Casals (Spanish), Edith Castel (French), Simonetta Russo (Italian).
