From 10-14 June, Jesuit Mission's programs team hosted our partners meeting in Siem Reap, Cambodia with 52 Jesuit and lay collaborators from across South-East Asia and India.
The meeting was another wonderful opportunity to review current practices and increase our knowledge in areas of safeguarding, community development, planning and program management. The program reinvigorated our collaborative mission and commitment to ensuring that effective and responsible practices are upheld by all partners in all of their programs.
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"As one of the organisers of the meeting, I feel humbled every day to work and share our mission with so many amazing people!” said Kath Rosic, International Programs Director.
"The first 2.5 days were dedicated to Strengthening Safeguarding Practices across our partner institutions and in the field. In the following days, participants had the opportunity to learn more about business management and planning, embedding mission through the Ignatian identity and a strengths-based approach to community development,” said Kath.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the opportunity to connect face-to-face, network, learn new skills, build on their knowledge, gain experience, and be exposed to like-minded individuals working towards the same mission of creating positive change.
The meeting was a great opportunity to collaborate and form friendships with people from different countries, to share and learn from each other’s experiences in Jesuit ministries around the world.
First Spiritual Exercises – Prayer of Tracking Faith
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"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
Loving God,
We bring together our hearts and minds in solidarity with the people of Myanmar, inspired by the Ignatian call to be companions in their journey of struggle and hope. In this time of upheaval and uncertainty, we join our voices in prayer, seeking strength, peace, and justice for all who are affected.
Grant us the grace to walk with the people of Myanmar as companions on their path, allowing ourselves to be touched by their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears. Help us to listen respectfully to their stories, to see your presence in their resilience, and to respond with compassion and solidarity. May your Spirit guide us to stand against oppression, to offer comfort to those who mourn, and to foster hope in the hearts of those who feel despair.
May we be instruments of your peace, working tirelessly for justice and reconciliation.We pray for wisdom and courage for the leaders of all nations, that they may be guided by principles of justice, compassion, and solidarity in their actions and decisions. Together, as companions in the Ignatian tradition, let us journey with the people of Myanmar, offering our prayers, our support, and our commitment to a future where all may live in dignity, peace, and freedom.
May our prayer be a source of hope and strength for the people of Myanmar, assuring them that they do not walk alone in their struggle. Amen.
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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 absent in my life'? 'What diminishes faith in my life'?
I ask the Spirit for an increasing, confident faith.
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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.
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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.
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Click here to download the Prayer of Tracking Faith.
Since the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has been in a state of humanitarian crisis. In April 2024, the military junta commenced compulsory conscription for all young men (18-35) and young women (18-27), triggering new levels of turmoil as young men and women attempt to flee the country.
Right now, over one third of the country’s population is living in extreme need. More than 2.8 million have been forced to flee their homes, while access to basics like education, healthcare and employment is severely limited.
Terry (seated front) with his Jesuit Companions Medal
This week we farewelled a true Jesuit Mission fundraising hero, Dr Terry Horgan. As an Old Xaverian and an honorary Old Ignatian, Terry exemplified Ignatian values by serving others throughout his very full life, and inspiring his family and friends to join him.
Terry was integral to starting two extremely popular and successful Jesuit Mission fundraising initiatives – The Sydney Old Xaverian Car Raffle, and the Sydney Golf Day. Not only did Terry found and work on both committees for over 40 years and over 25 years (respectively), he enthusiastically marketed and attended the Jesuit Mission events and ensured they were inspiring and a great success.
Many in our Jesuit Mission family, especially those in Sydney, will remember Terry for his humour, passion, and always with a camera around his neck. As a good friend to many people, Terry used his charm, passion and boundless energy to encourage thousands of people to support marginalised communities by buying an Old Xaverians Car Raffle ticket, attending the Jesuit Mission Bazaar (‘the Indian Bazaar’), or attending the Jesuit Mission Golf Day.
Jesuit Mission - Sydney Golf Day 2010Terry (holding the basketball) with Old Xaverians
Terry’s lifetime of service in fundraising for Jesuit Mission and other Catholic charities earned him a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2010. And in 2022, the Australian Jesuit Province awarded Terry with a Jesuit Companions Medal in honour of his long-term volunteer contribution to the Province’s mission.
We share our condolences, prayers and love with Terry’s beloved family. The family’s eulogies at Terry’s funeral service were a wonderful tribute to an incredibly inspiring man. In sharing stories of Terry’s commitment to raising funds for vulnerable communities, his son, John Horgan, asked for a show of hands from the full church on how many people had purchased a Jesuit Mission Car Raffle ticket from Terry - around 80% of the congregation raised their hand!
While Terry’s infamous ‘hole in one’ (on the 7th hole at the Jesuit Mission Sydney Golf Day on 29 May 2006) was a legendary achievement, we will always remember Terry and his lifetime legacy as we witness the impact of his decades of service in the stories of thousands of lives transformed through the programs Terry helped make possible.
After Jesus had washed his disciples feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them."
John 13:12-17
We pray that the teachers at Loyola College continue to serve students from rural communities, providing them with life-changing education to form Timor-Leste's next generation of leaders and global citizens.
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1. Desire...
I hold my body in a bow - symbol of Service.
I hold my body in a humble bow, symbol of surrender, reverence and service. Holding this gesture, I consider who I serve now, and who I would like to serve. I reflect on the meaning and joy service gives to my life. I open myself to the Spirit of Service.
I ask the Spirit for the gift of to offer generous service.
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2. Relish...
Today I live in the Serving Trinity.
I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Serving Trinity. Father, Jesus and Spirit, address me by name, saying, ‘I serve you daily.
Help me to serve others.’ Unsure how I can serve others when I have so little, or over-extended with so little energy, or when I already have too any competing demands, I sit humbly, awhile, with my desire to serve, in the mystery of the Serving Trinity.
I relish being of service.
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3. Serve...
I breathe in the Spirit of Service.
I imagine and feel the Spirit of Service and generosity into me.
I breathe it in deep, wait, then breathe it out through my desire to serve. I repeat as desired – breathing, generous, ready to serve.
I conclude giving thanks, looking forward to humble service of others.
In the vibrant landscape of Dili, Timor-Leste, the impact of your generosity shines brightly, touching the lives of hundreds of students like Joana. With support from our Australian Jesuit Mission family, the Jesuit-run secondary school, Colégio de Santo Inácio de Loiola (Loyola College), provides quality education to over 830 students from rural Timor-Leste, forming the nation's future leaders.
The multi-purpose extension hall at Loyola College is a space where talents are nurtured and dreams take flight, bringing in a new era of possibilities for Timor's youth. The hall now includes a permanent stage, music and drama rooms, and storage for sports and musical equipment.
For students like Joana, the impact is profound; they now have a sanctuary to explore their passion for music and creative arts.
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"Before, we could only learn about musical theory, but now we can practise with instruments,” said Joana.
"The extended hall is amazing; it can accommodate 40 or more students to play instruments like guitars and flutes.”
The hall is a treasure trove of musical delights, boasting 40 classical guitars, 40 flutes, a drum set, and even a few electric guitars. While there's only one piano keyboard at present, the possibilities are endless.
"We are not experts yet, but we're learning together, and it's much easier in a big space like this.”
Here, education isn't just a privilege; it's a transformative force, nurturing young minds and shaping futures.
Joana and her peers during music class.
At Loyola College, students are encouraged to study well and take up extra-curricular activities including music, sport, dance and the arts. They are supported to succeed with counselling and educated following the rich tradition of Ignatian spirituality and formation.
The President of Timor-Leste recognised the excellence of the standard of education at the school by awarding the College with the ‘Medal of Merit of the Order of Timor-Leste’ in 2023.
Thanks to your compassionate support, Loyola College continues to be a beacon of hope, where education transcends boundaries, and dreams know no limits. As Joana and her friends embark on their educational journey, the future is bright, echoing a symphony of positive change.
On Saturday, 4 May, over 5,000 people entered the gates of Xavier College, Kew in Melbourne, to attend the 2024 Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair.
Melbourne’s sunny weather attracted large crowds, leading to many stalls selling out. Schools, parishes, teachers, students and supporters, both new and long-standing, came together to uplift vulnerable communities worldwide.
The vibrant atmosphere and palpable community spirit made it a day to remember.
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"Every year, the Maytime Fair brings out the best in our community. The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved, from volunteers to attendees, all contribute to making a real difference in the lives of marginalised communities around the world,” said Katrina Varis, Jesuit Mission’s Events Coordinator.
For many, the Maytime Fair is an opportunity to laugh and make new friends, reconnect with others and above all it is a powerful reminder of the positive impact we can make together as one Jesuit Mission family.
"Our collective efforts at the Maytime Fair reflect a commitment to social justice and global solidarity. The unwavering support from volunteers and attendees, year after year, highlights the enduring strength of our mission to create a more equitable world," said Katrina.
The Jesuit Mission Maytime Fair has been held at Xavier College on the first Saturday in May every year since 1952, except for the lockdown years. The fair's success is a testament to the year-round preparation and support of countless volunteers.
The funds raised support Jesuit Mission’s outreach programs overseas, benefiting at-risk communities in over 10 countries in Asia and Africa, including Cambodia, Timor-Leste, India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malawi.
Your continued generosity made the fair a huge success. See you all next year.
The Jesuit Mission team at the 2024 Maytime Fair, along with Cambodian Jesuit Tertians.More
Honouring and empowering motherhood
On Mother's Day this month we celebrated the incredible mothers in our lives. We honoured all mothers in our world, especially those like Leela in India.
"When my daughter was three years old, she was malnourished and weighed only eight kilograms,” recalls Leela, Anika’s mother.
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"But now she weighs over ten kilograms and stands tall. It fills my heart with joy to see her thriving,” says Leela.
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Leela, a mother of six, embodies the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. Her husband works nearly 600km away in Goa, India, farming and gardening, while she takes on casual labour jobs in their village to make ends meet.
Despite their challenges, Leela remains steadfast in her commitment to providing a better life for her children.
In 2023, Jesuit Mission’s Sustainable Development of Indigenous Tribal Populations program, supported over 1,300 Indigenous tribal people, including Leela, in education, addressing malnutrition and empowering women through self-help groups to advocate for their rights.
These resilient mothers are becoming educated on nutrition and are working with the community childcare centre (Angawadi) to claim food from the government, such as milk and eggs.
"This fantastic program also encourages mothers to grow vegetables together and contribute to the well-being of the whole community,” says Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission.
Run by North Karnataka Jesuit Educational and Charitable Society, and supported by Jesuit Mission, the maternal health centre attended by Leela is providing transformative assistance to her and her family’s health.
"At three years old, Anika was fragile, but I refused to give up hope. I became determined to ensure her well-being and happiness," says Leela.
Leela’s story echoes the experiences of countless mothers around the world who face adversity with courage and resilience. Despite the challenges they encounter, they remain steadfast in their commitment to nurturing and protecting their children.
Through Jesuit Mission’s Gifts for Change program, you can honour the sacrifices, strength and love of mothers like Leela by investing in initiatives that empower families and communities.
"Every child should have the right to a quality education. I want Anika to study more, to be independent."
For your strength does not depend on numbers, nor your might on the powerful. But you are the God of the lowly, helper of the oppressed, upholder of the weak, protector of the forsaken, saviour of those without hope.
Please, please, God of my father, Lord of heaven and earth, Creator of the waters, King of all your creation, hear my prayer!
Judith 9:11-13.
We pray for Dalit women and men in India, may they receive the quality education they need to bring hope and opportunity to uplift their families and communities.
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1. Desire...
I ask the Spirit for the gift of Hope.
I imagine I am in a dark room. Unafraid, I feel the dark. I sense how I would need to trust the hand of a helper to make my way forward in this darkness. Likewise, I wait in the dark in this prayer, as one full of hope, ready for the help and hand of the guiding Spirit.
I read the prayer texts seeing God’s help and protection as the foundation of my hope.
I ask the Spirit for a patient and sure hope when I most need it – even in the dark, frightening, hopeless situations.
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2. Relish...
Today I live in the Hopeful Trinity.
Now I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Trinity, Creator, Jesus and Spirit. Each person addresses me by name, saying, ‘I have plans for your welfare, plans to give you a future with hope.’
Without knowing how such hope will hold me firm when I feel abandoned and forsaken, I sit humbly in the mystery of the Hopeful Trinity and my desire.
I relish feeling hopeful.
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3. Hope...
I breathe in the Spirit of Hope.
Then I imagine and feel the Spirit breathing the gift of Hope into me. I breathe it in deep, wait, then breathe it out to renew my relationships, and into those whose hope has been whittled away by loss and seemingly endless disappointment.
I repeat as desired – breathing, hopeful, renewed.
I conclude in thanks, blindfold in hand, seeing my world with greater hope.
PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.
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Click here to download the prayer of Awakening Hope.
Thanks to kind gifts left by Jesuit Mission supporters in their Wills, the lives of vulnerable young people in Cambodia are being transformed through educational scholarships.
Before receiving a scholarship to Xavier Jesuit School (XJS), Rany never imagined she’d have the opportunity to complete her schooling.
"If I wasn’t in this program, I may have already stopped studying,” she says.
Like many in her rural community in northern Cambodia, Rany’s family has faced many challenges.
With little education, her parents worked tirelessly to provide for the family, often crossing the border to work in Thailand for extended periods.
But thanks to the scholarship she received four years ago, Rany is now getting the education she needs to build a pathway out of poverty for her and her family.
With the inspiring objective “Dare to Dream of a Brighter Future”, XJS was founded in 2015 by our local Jesuit partner Jesuit Service Cambodia.
The school offers more than 800 students in one of the poorest regions of Cambodia affordable, comprehensive education across the full Cambodian curriculum, including English, Khmer, maths and computer studies.
For scholarship students, like Rany, the costs of food, accommodation, school fees, and uniforms are funded by bequest gifts from Jesuit Mission supporters like you, allowing students to fully participate in school without placing any financial burden on their families.
Now in Year 12, Rany has been thriving at XJS, regularly receiving class honours. She plans to go on to study Khmer Literature at university and one day become a middle school teacher.
"I hope I can return to my village and share my knowledge. I want to do this because I know not many kids in my village have the opportunity to learn." she says.
We are deeply grateful to every compassionate person who has left a gift in their Will to Jesuit Mission. The impact of their legacy is profound and will be felt for generations to come by students like Rany, her family and community.
This story is from our 2023 Gratitude Report. Click the link below to read more about your impact last year in uplifting over 550,000 people around the world.
