Jesuit Mission – 6/25 – Jesuit Mission

Home > Blog Post > Page 6

Pili, an inspirational leader for International Women’s Day

On this International Women's Day, Jesuit Mission Australia celebrates the transformative journey of Pili, a young woman from rural Cambodia whose life has been reshaped through education and empowerment, thanks to the generous support of the Australian Catholic community.

Cambodia's education system grapples with significant challenges.

Only 42% of Cambodian students in rural areas complete primary school, and only one in ten students complete high school.

Pili (left) with Bishop Kike Figaredo SJ, Battambang Apostolic Prefect and Director of the Battambang Education Project.

Pili's life story reflects the harsh realities faced by many young individuals in Cambodia. Her parents, hardworking farmers, struggled to support her education beyond Grade 5. However, Pili received a Jesuit scholarship to attend the Taehen Student Centre, one of the six student centres run by the Battambang Education Project in partnership with Jesuit Mission Australia.

Pili's scholarship was truly life-changing.

"When I lived at home, I didn’t have the confidence to talk or share my ideas with others. Living at the centre, I grew in confidence. I felt the centre was my second home," said Pili.

The Battambang Education Project, committed to uplifting vulnerable youth in Northwest Cambodia, provides students like Pili with scholarships, accommodation, and holistic care.

Pili has not only beaten the odds and completed her education, she has completed tertiary studies, returned to work in the Apostolic Prefecture of Battambang, and also volunteers at the Taehen Student Centre, sharing her knowledge with the next generation.

Pili's journey continued with her earning a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance and completing a leadership course in 2023.

Remarkably, she now serves as the Project Manager of the Battambang Education Project, proudly leading the very program that transformed her own life.

"Pili showcases the ripple effect of positive change that starts with just one individual," said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission.

"We are proud to be part of Pili's transformative story and remain dedicated to creating opportunities that empower more women to break free from the cycle of poverty."

Since her father passed away two years ago, Pili is now the primary income earner in her family. She takes care of her bedridden mother, pays for the education of two of her younger sisters, and cares for her niece and nephew who now live with her so they too can get a quality education.

[break height=20]

"From her deep suffering has come compassion and joy. Pili encourages the students to take on new opportunities and to uplift the community," shared Bishop Kike Figaredo SJ, Battambang Apostolic Prefect and Director of the Battambang Education Project.

Pili's story exemplifies the theme for International Women's Day in 2024: Invest in Women – Accelerate Progress.

Pili (centre) at Jesuit Mission's International Partners meeting.

An investment in educating a girl today, will enable tomorrow’s women to be powerful forces for change in their community and society. As we celebrate this day, let Pili's journey inspire us all to invest in initiatives that include and uplift the most vulnerable, who may then lead and accelerate transforming their country’s future.

In 2024, your kind support could help open a world of new opportunity for vulnerable and excluded people, such as students from rural areas who are missing out on an education.

Click here to make a donation to provide quality education and scholarships to more young people like Pili.

DONATE NOW More

Two years of steadfast support for over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees

*Art class for Ukrainian children. Photographer: Sergi Cámara*.

Two years on from the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the Jesuits in Europe, with the support of the Australian Catholic community, have been able to provide emergency assistance to over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees.

From day one of the conflict, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe with the support of Jesuit Mission Australia and the Xavier Network, immediately provided emergency support, shelter and opportunity to refugees fleeing the conflict.

As the crisis extends and the needs of the refugees who have endured two years of conflict evolve, the Jesuits have committed to long-term holistic accompaniment, including, psychological support, education and integration services to empower vulnerable individuals and families in the years ahead.

"Our shared commitment to alleviating suffering and fostering resilience is a beacon of hope for those who have fled the conflict," said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.

"I am deeply grateful to our Jesuit partners and our supporters for their role in this humanitarian effort, your generosity has been a lifeline for those suffering and in their greatest time of need."

[break height=20]

More than 6 million people have been displaced across Europe, with neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania, Hungary, Moldova, and Slovakia bearing the brunt of this crisis.

Frequent missile launches and air raids, which sometimes last up to 3.5 hours, continue to shatter lives, destroy infrastructure and have led to a vastly fatigued and traumatised Ukrainian society.

Despite the dangers, the Jesuits continue to provide steadfast support, welcoming refugees and empowering them to get back on their feet and to flourish.

"It is a privilege to be able to count on the continued solidarity of so many generous people, foundations and other organisations who trust in the work of the Society of Jesus. On behalf of our teams and the people we serve. Thank You," said Fr Alberto Ares SJ, Director of JRS Europe.

A Ukrainian family arrive at the border of Poland.
Photographer: Sergi Cámara

*A class for Ukrainian refugees in Romania.*

Jesuit Mission Australia stands in solidarity with the devastated families in and outside of Ukraine. A donation to Jesuit Mission Australia’s Emergency Action Fund will support refugees surviving the Ukraine crisis and other crises around the world.

Please click here to donate or call 02 8918 4109.

DONATE NOW More

First Spiritual Exercises – Restoring Joy

[break height=10]

I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” Lord, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:“What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, Lord, and be merciful to me; Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 30.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in Syria, who have endured years of conflict, fear and the recent earthquakes. We pray that with the support of our Jesuit partners they can rebuild their homes, their lives and build a bright future.

[break height=20]

1. Healing...

Living Spirit, heal me.

I touch my forehead.

[break height=20]

2. Living...

Restore my life from the pit.

I touch my navel.

[break height=20]

3. Dancing...

Turn my mourning into dancing.

I touch my left shoulder.

4. Praising...

Move me from silence to praise.

I touch my right shoulder.

5. Joyful...

Fill me with Your Joy.

Hand on heart, I take three breaths:

The first to breathe in the Spirit of Joy.

The second to feel restoring Joy fill me.

The third to breathe my gift of Joy out into my life, especially when I feel numb.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

[break height=20]

Click here to download the prayer of Restoring Joy.

A gift that lasts

[break height="20"]

"We have done what we can but always wish we could do more." - Debbie and David De Souza are long-time Jesuit Mission supporters who have generously chosen to leave a gift in their Wills.

Before coming to Australia, Debbie and David both grew up in India with strong connections to the Jesuits and Ignatian spirituality. Debbie attended a Jesuit parish and David attended the St Stanislaus Jesuit school in Bombay, where he received an education that instilled a lasting commitment to service in him.

"The Jesuits in my school challenged us to do better, extend ourselves. I didn’t realise it then, but it moulded me into the person that I am today," said David.

Debbie and David’s support of Jesuit Mission began when they arrived in Melbourne in 1999.

[break height=10]

"Keith our son started at Kostka Hall (Xavier College Junior School), and from that year I began volunteering at the Maytime Fair. When I was growing up (in India) the marginalised were shunned… you didn’t talk about them, you didn’t associate with them and to find out our Australian Jesuits are back there in the remote areas, giving their time, their money, we just wanted to support them in whatever way we could," said Debbie.

When the opportunity to visit Hazaribag presented itself, Debbie couldn’t wait to see how the funds raised by our Jesuit Mission family were making a difference to our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.

"It was the best experience, I could see that so much of what they raise here for the missions goes overseas…Priests in their 80s are still riding scooters and going to remote villagers to hear confessions, teach the children and empower women to start their own businesses," said Debbie.

*Debbie and another Jesuit Mission supporter Jo volunteering at the Maytime Fair.*

Every gift, regardless of size, is vitally important and something you and your loved ones can be proud of.

For a confidential discussion on leaving your own legacy, please contact our Supporter Relations Manager, Susan Vaz on 02 8918 4107 or susan.vaz@jesuitmission.org.au.

One year supporting earthquake-affected communities in Syria

6 February marks one year since the devastating earthquakes shook Syria and Turkey, claiming the lives of thousands, and causing more destruction and trauma to millions more Syrians who were already surviving 12 long years of conflict.

Thanks to your generosity, our Syrian Earthquake Response Appeal provided immediate assistance to those people most affected living in Aleppo, where the Jesuits were already actively supporting refugees.

In one year over 44,000 women, men and children received emergency assistance, including food, warm clothing, shelter, healthcare and vital psychosocial support. This life-giving response is being delivered by our project partners Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Syria, in partnership with the Xavier Network.

[break height="20"]

"A crisis will shake the foundations of any communities, but compassion and solidarity have the power to rebuild them," said Helen Forde.

"We are so grateful for the heartfelt generosity of our Jesuit Mission family as Syria’s vulnerable population face more trauma and terror."

Amidst the somber reflection on the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, with your support, we remain steadfast in our commitment to rebuilding shattered lives.

Using the funding already raised, the Jesuits are committed to continue the program of emergency support activities into 2024 that will help the long-term recovery of women, children and men affected by the earthquake and conflict.

"Thank you to those who supported our Earthquake appeal, your generosity continues to restore hope and empower resilience," said Helen Forde.

As the journey towards recovery extends into 2024, we urge you all to continue to keep the people of Syria in your thoughts and prayers.

*One month after the earthquake a family builds a make-shift home on the street. Photographer: Mikhail Demian – JRS MENA*

The earthquake collapsed thousands of buildings in Aleppo.
Photographer: Mikhail Demian – JRS MENA

Click here to donate to our Emergency Action Fund, to support people in crisis around the world.

*A child receives an emergency food package.*
*Photographer: Mikhail Demian – JRS MENA*

Jesuit Father General thanks Australians for giving their hearts to the marginalised

[break height="20"]

On 24 January we welcomed Jesuit Father General Arturo Sosa, his Jesuit companions from Rome, and the Jesuit Major Superiors from across Asia-Pacific, to share an intimate evening of gratitude and friendship with some of our long-term and loyal supporters.

"You are part of the family of the Society of Jesus. Not because of what you give, but because of who you are. Because what you are giving is your own life, your own heart," said Fr. Sosa.

The evening consisted of a panel session where the Jesuit Major Superiors from Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Timor-Leste shared heartfelt stories of impact and updates from the ground, on the life-changing global outreach made possible thanks to your generosity.

Led by Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission, the panel was a great way for supporters, from Sydney, Broken Bay and Paramatta dioceses and some who travelled from Melbourne and Adelaide dioceses, to hear from the Major Superiors and Fr. Sosa, followed by opportunities for supporters to engage and meet in person.

*Jesuit Mission Australia Board and staff with Fr General Sosa and four Major Superiors from Asia-Pacific. Giovanni Portelli Photography/Jesuit Mission Australia.*

"It was an evening of great joy and encouragement, a reminder of the positive change we make when we collaborate and uplift our sisters and brothers in need together," said Ms Forde.

The Major Superiors were invited to share how their ministry is ensuring that the youth have a hope-filled future, to become leaders that strive for justice.

[break height=20]

"We are providing not only education, but holistic formation to youth where their values, culture and spirituality are grounded," said Fr. Erik John Gerilla SJ, Regional Superior of Timor-Leste, in reference to the Jesuit education institutions there which are forming thousands of students and trainee teachers to be the next leaders and change-makers of their country.

Even in the political upheaval in neighbouring Myanmar, beacons of hope and opportunity bloom through the chaos.

"Despite the challenges of the country, the youth of Myanmar have hope…the fighting will one day cease and with the education they receive they will breathe in something new," said Fr. Girish Santiago SJ, Regional Superior of Myanmar.

In Cambodia many children living in rural areas, are unable to receive a quality education due to poverty and a lack of opportunity.

"We opened Xavier Jesuit School in Cambodia near the Thai border, as many children are left behind while their parents seek employment in Thailand. Our school motto is to ‘Dare to Dream of a Brighter Future,” said Fr. Kwon Oh-Chang SJ, Delegate of Cambodia Mission." said Fr. Kwon Oh-Chang SJ, Delegate of Cambodia Mission.

Similarly, in Thailand your generosity is supporting the Jesuits work in two refugee camps providing education, social and pastoral services.

"We have about 11 schools improving their curriculum, supporting teacher salaries, providing textbooks as well as seminars for teacher training and child protection. We visit families, take care of the elderly, the sick and the outcast," said Fr. Miguel Garaizábal SJ, Regional Superior of Thailand.

Fr. Sosa is the 31^st Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

*Fr. Erik John Gerilla SJ, Regional Superior of Timor-Leste.*

*Fr. Girish Santiago SJ, Regional Superior of Myanmar.*

*Fr. Kwon Oh-Chang SJ, Delegate of Cambodia Mission.*

*Fr. Miguel Garaizábal SJ, Regional Superior of Thailand.*

As only the third Father General to visit Australia in the history of the Jesuits, it was a truly memorable occasion for the Jesuit Mission family to hear directly from the Father General as he shared a message of thanks and offered a special blessing.

"The Society of Jesus cannot exist, cannot have a long history as it has without your generosity, without those who support, who have been partners in this mission. So from the grateful heart of the whole Society of Jesus, especially from the Australian, Asian, part of our universal body, and in your name, I ask the Lord for abundant blessings... May the Lord bless each of you, your families, your intentions. May you be blessed with good health and interior strength so that we can encourage one another in doing God's work,” said Fr. Sosa.

Fr. Sosa expressed the importance of us working together as one Church:

"I want to insist that the mission does not belong to Jesuits. The Lord called all of us. All of us are called to that mission together for the same mission. Even though we have different ways of fulfilling... we need to help each other so that we, the Jesuits, and you our friends in Jesuit Mission Australia can work together to fulfill the mission and entrusted to us by God and the Church.”

We would like to extend its deepest thanks to Fr. Sosa, the Major Superiors of Asia-Pacific and Australia, as well as the rest of our Jesuit partners and supporters in mission in Australia and around the world. Through our collaboration in God’s Mission, there is hope for people trapped in the cycle of poverty.

Photography: Giovanni Portelli/Jesuit Mission Australia.

Click here to watch more of Father General's visit to Australia.

Merry Christmas 2023

We would like to thank all our supporters for their valued and ongoing support this year.

As our office will be closed from 23 December and reopening on 8 January, we leave you with a video Christmas message from our CEO Helen Forde.

[break height=7]

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[break height="20"] More

First Spiritual Exercises – Protecting You

[break height=10]

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and protection. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

Psalm 91:1-6,14-16

We pray for those in Myanmar who have lost their homes and are feeling lost. We pray that they feel protected and comforted during this difficult time and that our project partners can continue to reach them in their time of need.

[break height=20]

1. Desire...I ask the Spirit for the Gift of Protection.

I take a nut, considering how its hard shell protects the nut as it grows, waiting for the time when the nut is ready for freedom and seeding new life.

I ask the Spirit for protection from that which threatens me now.

[break height=20]

2. Relish...Today I live in the Protective Trinity.

I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Trinity. Each person addresses me by name, saying, ‘I will protect you. Nothing will separate you from my love.’

Without knowing how I will be protected, I sit humbly, waiting in the mystery of the Protective Trinity and my desire.

I relish feeling safe.

[break height=20]

3. Family... I breathe in Loving Protection.

Then I imagine and feel the Spirit breathing the gift of loving Protection into me.

I breathe it in deep, wait, then breathe it out to flow through my particular need for protection.

I repeat as desired – breathing, protected, renewed.

I conclude giving thanks, nut in hand, feeling more loved and protected.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

[break height=20]

Click here to download the prayer of Protecting You.

Shelter and hope for 10 families

[break height=20]

[break height=10]

In the heart of Yangon, Myanmar, a campaign to rid the city of its slums sent shockwaves through the urban landscape in 2022.

Demolition crews erased entire areas, leaving countless slum dwellers without homes, their lives upended in an instant.

One of these affected communities had been home to families who had fled the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

These migrant families sought refuge for years in the city.

With only a week’s notice to vacate their homes, some families managed to find new places to live, however, 10 families were unable to afford relocation.

These vulnerable families struggle to survive day-to-day, so in their hour of need, the Jesuits in Myanmar stepped in to offer a helping hand.

They provided land where the families could then build temporary shelters, a small glimmer of hope in their time of crisis.

"We're filled with gratitude for donors, volunteers so kind. In our darkest hours, your support, a beacon, we did find. Now, each family and child can rest through the night, in these new homes, your kindness, a guiding light. We'll hold your help dear, in our hearts, it will stay, with prayers of thanks, for you, we'll always say." said a mother whose family received temporary shelter.

In the midst of adversity, the community came together, finding strength in unity and hope in the compassion of others.

Forging a path ahead

[break height=20]

In the heart of Cambodia, your generosity is encouraging children’s dreams to take flight despite their family’s financial constraints. Vanna (17) can now chase her aspirations as vast as the rice fields that surround her village.

Vanna, the fifth of eight siblings, was born into a family that struggles to make ends meet. Her parents, resilient and as hard working as they are, cannot afford to support their children's secondary education.

In 2018, a scholarship funded by our supporters brought Vanna to the Xavier Jesuit School (XJS) hostel in Sisaphon. Here, within the walls of this haven, Vanna discovered a world beyond the confines of her humble village. Education, once a distant dream, became a tangible reality, and the hostel transformed into a family that nurtures her aspirations.

“Before I never dreamt of anything. I never thought of what I wanted to be in the future." she says.

The financial strain compelled her siblings to abandon their academic pursuits, opting instead to labour in the fields, harvesting chili peppers to sustain the family.

However, life at XJS unfolded like a novel with unexpected twists. The family-like environment within the hostel not only provided Vanna with an education but also equipped her with life skills to navigate the world beyond.

"In the past I was someone who didn’t know much how to communicate with others… But my peers and my teachers have taught me how to build relationships with others," she shared.

[break height=10]

Vanna’s transformation is profound. Once shy and reserved, Vanna has blossomed into a confident and expressive individual. "I also felt shy, but now I have the courage to express myself more freely," she says.

With each passing day at XJS, Vanna's dreams grow bolder. Fuelled by the knowledge acquired and life skills gained through the scholarship, she now envisions her future as a middle school teacher of Khmer and Civics. But her dreams don't stop there; Vanna aspires to start her own business, to own a café.

*Vanna (holding microphone) leads a group of fellow students in singing at a recent ceremony.*

Yet, it is Vanna’s empathy, that truly exemplifies the heart of our programs.

"If I become wealthy, I would want to help others in need. I know how it feels to be poor, so I want to help vulnerable people and the elderly people who don’t have much support."

As the Christmas season approaches, your generosity can make a meaningful impact. By purchasing a Jesuit Mission Gift for Change, you can transform lives this Christmas, and share hope by uplifting vulnerable communities.

You can make a difference.

[break height=10]

With just a $50 Gift for Change, you can help buy a bicycle for a young student in Cambodia and give them access to a quality education.

Through your unwavering support, you have not only changed the course of one young girl's life but have sown the seeds of change that will undoubtedly yield a harvest of hope for generations to come.

To browse our Gifts for Change shop for more options – click here.

[call_action_button color="#e56a54" link="https://fundraise.jesuitmission.org.au/shop" target="_blank"]Browse Gifts for Change Shop[/call_action_button]