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“The first need is to welcome these people”

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An interview with Marius Talos SJ, Director of JRS Romania since 2013, who is welcoming refugees in Romania.

What was the situation in Romania before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine?

We find ourselves in a situation that we did not imagine two weeks ago. Faced with this tragic surprise, we want to make the maximum effort to find the minimum support for those millions of displaced people.

Due to its vocation, JRS Romania is not an emergency organisation, so we had to improvise essential assistance in terms of food, clothing, mattresses, medicine… And, at the same time, we have to ensure accommodation and legal advice for those who want to seek asylum in Romania. We must bear in mind that the average number of asylum applications (for JRS) annually is around 6,000, while this year we have had 3,200 in two weeks. It is something we never had before in Romania.

Safe transportation opportunities must also be provided both within the country and towards the borders with other Western countries. Safe transportation must be offered to these war victims.

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What needs do people who are arriving at the border have? What is the work that JRS does?

There are three stages in this assistance.

The first need is to welcome these people, who have spent more than two days before being able to cross the border (Romania shares a 650 km border with Ukraine).

Then you have to find how to meet the needs of food and accommodation.

It is winter, with very low temperatures, below zero, so there is also a great need for warm clothing. Then medicines, personal hygiene and sanitary items. It is necessary to ensure a minimum heating for them and they must be assisted at a legal level to continue the journey, to request asylum in the country, which is requested by less than 10% of the population that passes through Romania.

And it is also necessary to provide psychological assistance for people who have experienced unimaginable trauma.

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Mothers with children and babies who will never be able to find their husbands or fathers. You have to assure them of assistance.

In addition to Ukrainians, refugees from other countries are also fleeing the country and arriving at the border.

Yes. We have to distinguish between refugees from Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees, because in addition to Ukrainians, there are also students from Asia and Africa who want to leave the country as soon as possible to save their lives.

The transit for one and the other is not the same and, sometimes, it is more difficult to ensure the transit of students of African origin who have to wait for contact with their embassies to see how to resolve the trip to their countries of origin. There is a global problem, but with different nuances for each country in this situation.

Who were the people you welcomed before this crisis at the Arrupe House in Bucharest? Now you will also have to welcome these victims of the war in Ukraine.

The Padre Arrupe Centre, founded in 2000 by a Belgian Jesuit priest, has welcomed thousands of refugees from virtually every part of the world. In the last 8 years the majority came from the Middle East: Syria, Sub-Saharan Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Kurdish population from four different countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey).

But there are also Vietnamese and people from Sri Lanka, from Colombia, who complete the picture of refugees with a new reality for Romania: the reality of economic migrants. People who do not leave their countries of origin for reasons such as war, famine or natural calamities, but for lack of vital resources.

Here we offer shelter to people who are waiting for a response from the Romanian State and live for a few weeks, a few months or a couple of years in a transitional regime. In addition to a humanitarian reception, which is an alternative to detention on Romanian territory, we offer legal and social advice and open our space for cultural associations. We offer a place of coexistence at a social and cultural level and training courses and workshops in Internet, Romanian and English.

How do you expect this Ukrainian crisis to evolve? Do you expect the arrival of many more refugees in Romania?

There is hope against any despair. We are very discouraged by what we hear from people coming from Odessa and southern Ukraine. But despite this discouragement, we hope that the conflict will not escalate into nuclear war. And we hope to see an end to this humanitarian crisis that affects millions of people.

What would you ask to those reading this interview?

That with their help they have been present on a border that they could not even see until now. It seems to me that a Europe in crisis is much smaller, because it is much more supportive. I sincerely appreciate this generosity that reveals us brothers and sisters even without knowing each other. We keep going. Thank you.

Interview previously published by Entreculturas.

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Images taken by Sergi Camara and Marco Giarraca.

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Jesuit networks rally emergency support for Ukraine

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We are so grateful for the wonderful support and generosity for our Ukraine Emergency appeal from supporters, parishes and school communities. Together we are providing hope to those who are facing extreme injustice and conflict.

The appeal provides emergency shelter, food and essential items, medical escorts, translation and accompaniment to Ukrainian people in desperate need, made possible thanks to a partnership between Jesuit Mission and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe.

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JRS Europe is coordinating the emergency response by mobilising support from offices across Hungary, Poland, Romania, Macedonia, south east Europe as well as within Ukraine.

In Lviv, Ukraine, a Jesuit house has already been converted into a transit home for the displaced and in Romania and Poland, JRS is responding to an influx of refugees like never before.

To meet the growing needs, JRS is also collaborating with other religious congregations to find additional accommodation options.

In Romania JRS continues to be present in Bucharest and at the borders to ensure first necessities, and legal advice for those who want to seek asylum.

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“It is deeply distressing seeing our Ukrainian sisters and brothers suffer like this. Any donation towards the Jesuits’ vital efforts will make an enormous difference on the ground,” said Helen Forde CEO of Jesuit Mission.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to mass displacement and violence against men, women and children.

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According to the United Nation’s High Commissioner, the war has forced 10 million civilians to flee from their homes, including about 3.5 million who have sought refuge in other countries already.

Pope Francis called for an end to the conflict, urging people to support the vulnerable Ukrainan people.

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“Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. It is not merely a military operation, but a war, which sows death, destruction and misery. The number of victims is increasing, as are the people fleeing, especially mothers and children. The need for humanitarian assistance in that troubled country is growing dramatically by the hour.”

After meeting with refugees at the Hungarian-Ukrainian border in early March, Jesuit Cardinal Michael Czerny was grateful to see the support that many refugees were receiving.

"I am so happy to see how everyone is working together to meet the needs of the people who are fleeing for their lives and where they can have their first security, first rest and take the next steps,” he said.

Jesuit Mission stands in solidarity with the devastated families in Ukraine, and urges supporters to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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Gifts for Change Easter

Instead of buying chocolate eggs for someone this Easter, you could consider supporting our Gifts for Change Program.

First Spiritual Exercises - Finding Light

Let us join together in the Prayer of Finding Light written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Riding from one opportunity to the next

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Rambo smiled with confidence as he rode his bicycle out of the school gates on graduation day. For three years he lived and studied at Jesuit-run St Joseph’s Catholic Hostel, in Siem Reap, Cambodia thanks to your support.

Since graduating at the end of 2021, Rambo has passed the national qualifying exam and has enrolled in Public Administration at the University of Southeast Asia in Siem Reap.

For students like Rambo, being accepted into university was an unattainable dream, made possible by your generosity.

As one of six siblings, his parents struggled to make ends meet. He often lacked food, clothing and school materials and would walk to school without breakfast.

It hurt to see how his parents suffered to raise the family.

As a result, at 16, he left Cambodia for Thailand to work as a fruit-harvester for six months, to help support his family. With no proper identification or documentation, he risked ending up in Thailand’s prisons if he was caught.

After six months working as a farmer he began working at a small Thai restaurant but missed his family greatly. He returned home after he found a job working as a labourer in a warehouse in his hometown.

[quotes]“I had no ambition to study anymore. I just wanted to work so I would be able to build my own future." [/quotes][quotes_author color=#000] Rambo [/quotes_author] [break height=30]

In 2017, when he was 18, he met his former parish priest who was now assigned in Siem Reap. Through our project partner, the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang headed by Spanish Jesuit, Bishop Kike Figaredo, he was given the opportunity to stay in the hostel and study secondary education.

For three years, he studied well, helped the parish and created a network of good friends.

At 21 years old now, his future is looking very bright.

[quotes]“I am happy. I will live a dignified life and will share with others what I have."[/quotes][quotes_author color=#000] Rambo [/quotes_author] [break height=30]

The Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang supported over 280 people in 2021. Covering nine Provinces in Cambodia, the project provides education scholarships, accommodation and holistic support to children and young adults living with poverty.

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First Spiritual Exercises - Companionship

Let us join together in the Prayer of Companionship written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

13 Nepali detainees return home

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In late 2021 we received news that 13 Nepali detainees in the Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Bangkok, Thailand, were safely released and returned home to their families in Nepal.

Incarcerated because they lack correct visa or paperwork, these families in pursuit of a better quality of life in Thailand, are separated and abysmal conditions wreak misery.

Once detained, they are often at the lowest point in their lives.

Ex-detainee Chandra, now back in Nepal, is enjoying his freedom and has begun a great job as a cook in a Nepali restaurant.

[quotes]“For me it is a joy to work, even though the work is hard. I enjoy cooking Nepali chicken curry."[/quotes][quotes_author color=#000] Chandra [/quotes_author] [break height=30]

Thanks to your generosity, our partner The Jesuit Foundation, supports over 6,000 people each year in the Bangkok IDC, providing practical help and pastoral care for detainees.

The project provides healthcare delivered by a doctor or nurse, including hospital referrals, and social services and basic supplies such as food, clothes and blankets - particularly for the elderly and vulnerable.

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It also provides administrative support and solutions for detainee release, including organising travel documents and visas.

Due to COVID-19, airfares were much more expensive and families of the ex-detainees could only cover some of the cost. In response The Jesuit Foundation financially supported the outstanding cost of flights for those returning home.

[quotes] “Thank you very much for your kindness and support. After 19 years (detained) I am very happy.” [/quotes] [break height=5] [quotes_author color=#000]Netra, another ex-detainee that recently returned home to his family.[/quotes_author] [break height=30]

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First Spiritual Exercises - Companionship

Let us join together in the Prayer of Companionship written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Pilgrims 100 raise $85,000 for Timor-Leste water project

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The Adelaide collective giving group known as Pilgrims 100 has raised $85,000 for the Jesuit Mission-supported water project, that is installing clean and safe water facilities in remote communities in Timor-Leste.

Run by our partner Jesuit Social Service (JSS) Timor-Leste, the water project helps bring life-changing new water systems to remote villages in Timor-Leste, which is vital in a country where one-third of people in rural villages do not have access to water.

The burden of collecting water often falls to children, who have to walk up to five hours each day, carrying heavy containers of water.

This is an exhausting task for children and as a result they are unable to focus in the classroom and many give up on their studies.

Children in Tocoluli village celebrate the inauguration of clean water.

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Jesuit Mission has been supporting the water program for the past three years and during this time JSS has brought clean water to more than 12 villages!

Last week at an Awards Night held on Zoom, Pilgrims 100 members voted to support the water project, which is currently transforming the lives of thousands of vulnerable people.

Pilgrims 100 is an inspiring initiative launched by St Ignatius' Norwood parishioners, alumni and friends in 2020 in partnership with Jesuit Mission. The concept is that each member gives $1,000, the funds are then pooled and the members vote on which Jesuit Mission program will receive the funds.

If you would like to be involved in Pilgrims 100 to support programs like this, please contact Pilgrms 100 co-founders James Hill and Genevieve Hill 0412 163 142 or pilgrims100@ jesuitmission.org.au.

Children in Rematu village celebrate the inauguration of clean water.

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First Spiritual Exercises - Companionship

Let us join together in the Prayer of Companionship written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Winning Project 2021

At an Awards Night held on Zoom on 14 February 2022 Pilgrims 100 members voted for the Jesuit Mission project that is providing clean and safe water supplies to rural communities in Timor-Leste.

Click here to learn more about this vital project in Timor-Leste.

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Refugees rise above the challenges of COVID-19 in Indonesia

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Refugees taking part in a cooking class in Bogor.

In Bogor and Jakarta, Indonesia, thousands of asylum seekers and refugees are relying on organisations like Jesuit Mission to survive.

With no social assistance scheme for noncitizens during the pandemic, it is an incredibly challenging situation for many refugee families who lack hope and opportunity in their protracted wait for resettlement.

Our project partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Indonesia supports those people who fled the dangers of their home country and helps meet their basic survival needs, including financial support for food, rent, and access to health services.

Thanks to your generosity, last year through JRS’ ‘Befriend towards dignity during refuge in Indonesia’ project, almost 1,500 refugees were supported through psychosocial and financial support, consultation services and livelihood assistance activities.

“For the first time in my life, I received something from someone whom I don’t have to give anything in exchange,” said one of the refugees participating in the program.

Due to COVID-19, JRS adjusted many of its programs to carry out these empowering activities mostly remotely, such as remote learning managed by the JRS Learning Centre.

The cost for mobile data is covered for refugees, giving them access to an internet connection at home, to continue learning and participate in meetings and consultations via Zoom.

The Basic English Class for women is held
weekly at the JRS Learning Centre in Bogor.

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Fortunately some livelihood assistance activities could still go ahead in person whilst following COVID-19 protocols and restrictions.

Many asylum seekers and refugees in Indonesia have professional skills to offer, but they have little hope gaining employment in a community that rejects them.

JRS Indonesia is supporting skilled asylum seekers and refugees to access livelihood and income opportunities by connecting them with companies and organisations willing to accommodate them.

Moreover, the project advocates promoting the protection of refugees’ human rights in Indonesia and raising the awareness of just policy and practice.

“After receiving assistance our life is better than before. Not only for me, but for my children. I can manage our expenses and our food. My husband has also regained his health,” said another refugee.

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First Spiritual Exercises - Emergency Strength

Let us join together in the Prayer for Emergency Strength written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Thank you for your support of the Maytime Fair and Bazaar Appeals

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Jesuit Mission is deeply grateful to everyone who supported the Maytime Fair and Bazaar Appeals last year, together over $150,000 was raised!

For the second year both events were sadly cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, however, once again the Sydney and Melbourne Jesuit communities pulled together to help men, women and children living on the margins raise themselves out of poverty.

Thank you to St Aloysius’ College, St Ignatius’ College Riverview, Xavier College Melbourne, the Maytime Fair and Bazaar Committees and all those who volunteered or purchased jams and wine from our online stores.

Whilst it would have been the 70th anniversaries for the Jesuit Mission Bazaar and the Maytime Fair, we hope to celebrate these wonderful days of fun, friendship and solidarity in person with you all this year.

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First Spiritual Exercises - Emergency Strength

Let us join together in the Prayer for Emergency Strength written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

Caring for her community

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Georgina (right) providing medical assistance
at the parish clinic.

Georgina, a 26 year-old nurse, is dedicated to supporting her community in Railaco, Timor-Leste and has been working for the mobile medical clinic there for almost two years.

As a scholarship graduate of the Jesuit-run secondary school NOSSEF (Escola Secundaria Católica Nossa Senhora de Fátima), Georgina’s education inspired her to take on a career in nursing and help the most vulnerable.

[quotes]“Our teachers (at NOSSEF) were very dedicated and they wanted us to be someone who could really contribute to society.”[/quotes][quotes_author color="#000"]Georgina [/quotes_author] [break height=30]

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After graduating in 2012, Georgina eagerly studied nursing for seven years at the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL).

Today she works alongside Fr Martin Antonio “Bong” Abad Santos SJ, a Filipino doctor who has been running the mobile medical clinic with the Jesuits in Timor-Leste since it began in 2004.

Thanks to your generosity, the support of St Canice’s Parish Kings Cross and last year South Australian group Pilgrims 100, the mobile medical clinic goes to 12 stations in remote villages in Railaco, providing medicine and medical assistance.

[quotes]“Normally we go to 2 to 3 different locations per day. In one location, sometimes we treat up to 100 patients per day.” [break height=20] [quotes]“Even the people that live far away from Railaco also come to seek our medical treatment because they heard that our clinic offers good medical assistance.”[/quotes] [break height=20]

The mobile medical clinic has been running since Georgina was very young and she is thrilled to work with Fr Bong to help her friends and fellow residents in Railaco.

[quotes]“If there is an opportunity to study more, I am open to it. But now I just want to work here and help as many people as I can,” she said.[quotes_author color="#000"]Georgina [/quotes_author] [break height=20]

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First Spiritual Exercises - Emergency Strength

Let us join together in the Prayer for Emergency Strength written by Fr Michael Hansen SJ, National Director of the First Spiritual Exercises Program.

One Foot Raised

Myanmar people running — Myanmar community members doing a fun run.

This year we invite you to follow in the footsteps of St Ignatius the Pilgrim, to walk on St Ignatius Day, 31 July 2024, with One Foot Raised.

One Foot Raised is Jesuit Mission's new supporter event, where participants partake in a challenge walk in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and raise funds for Jesuit Mission's Emergency Response work.

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You can take part as a school, a parish, a group of friends or you can take on the challenge personally and set your own pace as an individual.

This is an opportunity to draw further inspiration from St Ignatius the Pilgrim.

St Ignatius himself described the ideal leader as living with "one foot raised," moving always into new lands and new cultures, ready to step forward and respond to human need and suffering in the world.

We walk because Ignatius walked, we walk because Jesuit Missionaries walk alongside the marginalised and we walk because many children in Jesuit Mission supported schools walk long distances each day to gain a quality education.