2024 Bazaar photos

Thank you to all of our amazing supporters and volunteers who came out for a joyful day of friendship and fundraising - schools, parishes, teachers, students, parents and friends. 

The Bazaar would not be possible without your support!

"My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up."

James 1:2-9

We pray for our sisters and brothers in Timor-Leste. As we witness the transformation that clean water brings to the lives of their villages, we ask that God's love continues to guide, help and support them to empower one another and lift each other out of the cycle of poverty.

1. Desire...

I ask the Spirit for Increasing Faith

I find and hold an object that symbolises the gift of increasing faith for me.

I consider, 'Where is faith increasing in my life'?

'Where is faith decreasing in my life'?

'What diminishes faith in me'?

I ask the Spirit for an increasing, confident faith.

2. Choice...

Today I choose the Way of Greater Faith

I choose the faithful way, led by greater faith and the good spirit toward God’s love.

I reject the disbelieving way, lack of confidence and doubt, amplified by a bad spirit.

I walk towards the gift and the Giver, from belief, to greater faith, to peace in God.

3. Faithful...

I live in the Faithful Trinity

Now I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Faithful Trinity. Each person addresses me by name, saying, ‘All things can be done for the one who believes.'

I rest, for a bit, in the ungrudging generosity of the Trinity. I feel faith deepen in me. I conclude giving thanks for the Spirit of Increasing Faith.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

Click here to download the Prayer of Greater Faith.

For years, the small village of Ermeta in Bazartete, Liquica municipality, Timor-Leste, faced an everyday struggle that many of us take for granted—the ability to access clean water.

In this remote community, 39 households relied on a single fountain at the bottom of a steep hill to meet their daily water needs. But today, thanks to your generous support, that struggle has finally come to an end.

Thanks to your generosity and the wonderful work of our project partner Jesuit Social Service Timor-Leste, a new water facility has been constructed, bringing clean, reliable water to the people of Ermeta.

This life-changing project has transformed the lives of villagers like Marcelino, the village chief, who recalls the immense hardship his community faced.

"It was difficult during the summer but even more difficult when four to five families had to line up to get water from one fountain,” says Marcelino.

"Many times, a family could only bring back 10 litres of water for a whole day that would be used only for cooking and drinking.”

For Marcelino and his neighbours, the daily trek up and down the hill, often with small children in tow, was exhausting and dangerous.

"We had to carry the containers in our hands; we could not use our cart to help us because of the steep hills. My children could not lift heavy containers as they are still small,” says Anita, a mother in the village.

But now, with the installation of a solar-powered water pump and a reservoir system, the burden of collecting water has been lifted.

The system gathers water from the fountain, pumps it up the hill, and stores it in a main distribution tank. To ensure the sustainability of this vital resource, JSS is working with the community to promote water conservation and environmental protection.

"What we will do from now on is to conserve the water so that we will not run out of water during the summer," says Marcelino.

This project is made possible by your unwavering support. This year the water project has already benefitted around 5,000 people. Now rural communities can focus on improving their lives and the future of their children. Thank you for making clean water a reality for communities in need in Timor-Leste.

Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun with purpose! On Saturday, 14 September, from 9am to 5pm, Jesuit Mission’s annual Bazaar will be held at Saint Ignatius' College Riverview.

The Jesuit Mission Bazaar is a vibrant community celebration filled with rides, live music, a variety of food stalls, bargains, fun games, and engaging activities for people of all ages.

Join over 5,000 people from the Sydney community for this spectacular day. Hundreds of  parents, students, alumni, parishioners and neighbouring schools kindly volunteer their time, energy, gifts and spirit to prepare and run the stalls and activities, and create a memorable and festive atmosphere.

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This community event began in 1952, to support the works of the early Australian Jesuit missionaries who were sent to Hazaribag, India, to uplift the marginalised and the outcast through education and social activism.

Now over 70 years later, the work of Jesuit Mission has expanded to empower marginalised communities in over 10 countries around the world.

"All proceeds from the Bazaar contribute to bringing education, hope and opportunity to our vulnerable sisters and brothers in Asia, Africa and emergency contexts,” says Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.

"Last year through the generosity of the Australian Catholic Community, over 550,000 people were supported through our programs.”

Funds raised at the Bazaar will help deliver life-changing teaching and education programs; provide essential services to refugees displaced by conflict; enable access to healthcare and livelihood training to vulnerable communities and provide emergency relief to those most affected by disasters.

You are warmly invited to join Jesuit Mission at the Jesuit Mission Bazaar on Saturday 14 September. 

When: 9:00am – 5:00pm Saturday 14 September 2024 
Where: Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview, 115 Tambourine Bay Rd, Riverview NSW 2066 

Click here for more information on the Jesuit Mission Bazaar including purchasing rides passes, raffle tickets, donating wine for our popular wine auction and more.

If you would like an opportunity to profile your business at the Bazaar, please get in touch with Katrina Tucker at Jesuit Mission to discuss sponsorship opportunities.  Katrina.tucker@jesuitmission.org.au

In the week coinciding with the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Australian Catholics of all ages participated in Jesuit Mission Australia’s One Foot Raised campaign, to raise awareness, prayers and funds for the people of Myanmar.

With prayerful hearts and a commitment to serve, participants followed the example of St. Ignatius the Pilgrim, who lived with “One Foot Raised” – ready to take action for justice and  help those most in need. Participants raised over $54,000 for people affected by conflict, oppression and poverty and with every step, they offered their prayers and intentions people suffering in Myanmar.

A number of Australian Jesuit schools, Parishes and ministries participated including, Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview (NSW), Our Lady of the Way Parish North Sydney (NSW), The Cardoner Network (NSW), Saint Ignatius College Geelong (VIC), Sevenhill and Riverton Parishes (SA), and Jesuit and Ignatian Spiruality Australia. Additionally, Xavier College Kew (VIC) will undertake One Foot Raised later in the year.

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"This was such a moving expression of solidarity with those communities experiencing suffering and conflict,” says Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.

"Now with two feet rested and hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate our Australian Catholic community's response to Myanmar's cry for help.”

In Myanmar, over 18 million people, including 6 million children, are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

Internally displaced people are living in temporary shelters built with tarpaulin sheets and bamboo, unsafe from the rain and wind, and the increasing indiscriminate artillery and air strikes from the military.

Jesuit Mission's partners continue to prioritise urgent emergency relief such as medicines, shelter, food and clothing to those who are displaced and trapped. The Jesuits are also providing thousands of children and youth with quality education and formation to make positive change for their country in the years to come.

We continue to pray for peace and justice for all those affected by conflict. It's not too late to make a meaningful difference and support this great cause. Jesuit Mission are hoping to raise $75,000 for One Foot Raised this year. Sign up or donate now at onefootraised.org.au  

Achara, the eldest daughter of a Karen family, comes from a rural village in western Thailand. Her father, a Karen environmental activist, went missing in 2014 after being arrested in a National Park, since then her family has sought justice for his disappearance.

After relocating multiple times, Achara and her family settled in a new village where she attended a local Catholic high school. Here for the first time Achara could focus on her studies, begin to dream of a brighter future for her family and move forward from the trauma of losing her father.  

Determined to pursue her education further, she joined Xavier Learning Community (XLC) in northern Thailand, which offers a Bachelor degree in English with profession-based training, including eco-tourism and hospitality.

XLC is transforming the lives of individuals like Achara, from ethnic minority groups that often face stigma and discrimination, giving hope through quality education and teaching sustainable agricultural practices.

"I feel very lucky to study here at XLC. I enjoy learning English and living in such a positive environment with my peers,” says Achara.

Your generosity in supporting XLC, eases the financial burden on Achara’s mother, who supports her five children on her own. XLC has given Achara the freedom to explore her interests and develop new skills.

Achara actively participates in the 'Teaching Village on Saturday' program, gaining professional teaching experience and challenging herself. She also enjoys being the master of ceremonies on campus, which has greatly boosted her confidence and public speaking skills.

Looking ahead, Achara dreams of working in the hospitality industry. Whilst pursuing this dream, during summer breaks she also returns to her village to help her mother with farming.

Achara’s story highlights the transformative power of education.

This year, XLC is educating around 90 students from vulnerable Indigenous groups, helping them find meaningful employment, build sustainable communities, and serve others. The diverse student body, from various ethnic minority groups in Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, fosters a unique and unified community.

Learning in community, and in the Ignatian ethos, invites education both inside and outside the classroom, allowing the students at XLC to develop holistically through formal education and their own local knowledge.

Achara 's journey is one of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice. Her lively spirit and eagerness to learn inspire those around her. With your support, Achara and many other students can dream of a brighter future and work towards making it a reality.

The Tran family, faced unimaginable hardships surviving as farmers with insufficient resources in their home country of Vietnam. Forced to flee their home near the Mekong River Delta due to dire living conditions, the family sought refuge in Cambodia in 1991 with their two children, who now work in Phnom Penh.

Although life has improved in Cambodia, it remains challenging for the entire refugee family. The grandchildren moved in with their grandparents two years ago and now live on a boat, navigating the daily struggles of life on water. Despite these difficulties, the family finds solace in their faith, attending a local Catholic Church, and in the support from our project partner Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Cambodia.

In 2010, their application for refugee status was approved, marking the beginning of much-needed assistance. JRS has since provided them with essential supplies such as rice, oil, and other basic needs.

"When our house boat needed a new container to stay afloat, JRS stepped in to build a new house boat for us. We are so grateful for their help,” says Dung, the grandfather of the family.

"We breed fish, selling our catch and homemade fish sauce at the local market to earn a modest income. Support like this really makes a difference in our lives, especially for my grandchildren.”

Education remains a shining light for the grandchildren, who lost their mother when they were young.

Although they stopped attending the local school due to not receiving a quality education, they now attend an extra-tuition Khmer class, hoping to achieve a level of education that will open doors of opportunity to bring their family out of poverty.

The Tran family's resilience is a testament to the human spirit.

With your generosity, our project partner JRS Cambodia continues to accompany, serve, and advocate for forcibly displaced people, ensuring they live in dignity, feel included, and have their rights upheld. In 2023 alone, JRS supported over 6,800 refugees, migrants, and stateless individuals, providing shelter, meals, counselling, and more.

Thanks to your support of these refugees:

Your contributions have made a profound difference. Every act of kindness brings hope to families in need. Thank you for standing with us in this mission to uplift our sisters and brothers living on the margins.

"The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over. My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."

Proverbs 4:19-27

We pray for our refugee friends living in Cambodia. We pray that they continue to receive opportunity, hope and a clear path forward. Through your loving kindness, grant them the restoration of their dignity.

1. Desire...

I ask the Spirit for Clarity.

I find and hold an object that symbolises the gift of spiritual clarity for me.

I consider, 'Where is clarity present in my life?’

'Where is clarity absent in my life?’

‘What is the contrary of clarity to me?’

I ask the Spirit for the gift of spiritual Clarity.

2. Choice...

Today I choose the Way of Spiritual Clarity.

I choose to follow the clear, focussed way, of the good spirit, toward God’s love.

I reject the obscure way, of being confused by a bad spirit.

I turn and walk in the contrary direction, from confusion to clarity, to peace.

3. Faithful...

I live in Trinity of Clarity.

I imagine I am in a circle surrounded by the Trinity of Clarity, Father, Jesus and Spirit. Each addresses me by name, saying, ‘Discern the clearest way forward, I will help you.’

I rest for a moment in clarity of the Trinity. I feel clear minded and spiritually focussed. I conclude giving thanks for the Spirit of Clarity.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

Click here to download the Prayer of Repairing Clarity.

We invite you to join thousands of Australians this St Ignatius Day, 31 July, by taking part in One Foot Raised and walking in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

One Foot Raised challenges participants to walk, raise awareness and much-needed funds for Jesuit Mission’s life-giving work in Myanmar and communities in crisis.  

A number of prominent Australian Jesuit schools and parishes have already signed up for the challenge, will you join the campaign of justice?

In Myanmar, millions of internally displaced people are living in temporary shelters built with tarpaulin sheets and bamboo, unsafe from the rain and wind, and the increasing indiscriminate artillery and air strikes from the military. People are living in fear and struggle for their basic needs with limited food, water, income and jobs available in these camps.

Speaking anonymously from Myanmar, a staff member of one of Jesuit Mission’s projects, verbally shared her confronting and tragic personal story of surviving years of conflict in Myanmar, multiple displacements to flee for safety, and her motivation to work in one of the thousands of camps for displaced people. Sadly, her story is common to most people in Myanmar, as is the tenderness of her closing words.

"We’d like to say to our international brothers and sisters not to forget us. At the same time, we are very thankful to all of you for your solidarity and kindness. Your support has a big impact on our children for their continuity of their learning, their protection and their well-being.”

Your compassionate support has provided a beacon of hope for some of Myanmar’s most vulnerable women, men and children for around two decades.

Our partners continue to prioritise emergency relief such as medicines, shelter, food and clothing to those who are displaced and trapped.

"Walking together, we can shine a light on the urgent needs of the people in Myanmar and offer them a lifeline of support and hope. Our steps symbolise the solidarity and compassion we share with those facing unimaginable challenges,” said Helen.

You can choose your distance:

• 2km - Walk for Education
• 4km - Walk for Shelter
• 10km - Walk for Peace 
• 18km - Walk for Justice 

It’s easy to sign up, take on the One Foot Raised challenge at onefootraised.org.au.

"I feel happy studying at school. I enjoy learning how to read and write with my friends,” said Samaira, a second grade school student at Tenuahi primary school in north-eastern India.

Thanks to your unwavering generosity, the Jesuit Mission family has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of children like Samaira. A bright and ambitious young girl from the marginalised Korwa tribe, Samaira hails from the remote Garwa district in Jharkhand, India.

While her father works as a daily wage earner far away to provide for the family, her mother takes care of the household. Her elder sisters either assist their mother or are married, leaving Samaira with significant responsibilities at home before she joined the school in 2021.

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Before enrolling, Samaira’s days were spent taking care of her younger brother and helping her mother with chores, leaving little time for play or education.

"I used to carry my brother on my back, often helping my mother to fetch water from the well and assist with the cows,” said Samaira.

With a radiant smile, she now dreams of becoming a nurse, and this dream is steadily becoming a reality as she takes great pride in her education. Samaira’s lifestyle has transformed; she is now eager to learn and full of hope for a better future.

Tenuahi school began modestly under a tree on 12 acres of land owned by the Hazaribag Jesuits. Since then the initiative has blossomed into a vibrant learning environment, providing quality education to over 200 enthusiastic students from the Korwa tribe. Responding to the villagers' request for better educational opportunities, the Hazaribag Jesuits established the Tenuahi primary school in April 2022. Since then, the school's reputation has spread far and wide, attracting children who are determined to pursue their education.

In 2023, thanks to the compassionate support from our Jesuit Mission family, six new classrooms were built. Your generosity is not only funding teacher salaries but also supporting training for teachers and parents and providing essential learning materials. These efforts ensure that rural children, like Samaira, have the resources and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams.

Your support makes a tangible difference, bringing hope and education to a community in need. Samaira’s story is just one example of the countless lives transformed by your kindness. Together, we are building a brighter future, one child, one family and one community at a time.