Sri Lanka: Doing all they can to prevent further bloodshed
21 Apr 2009

Sri Lanka: Doing all they can to prevent further bloodshed

by | posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

The Jesuits first went to Sri Lanka hundreds of years ago, not long after the time of Francis Xavier in the 16th Century. Many Sri Lankans became Catholics. The Jesuits opened parishes, schools and colleges, especially for Tamil migrants from India, who worked as labourers in the tea and coffee plantations. After independence, the previous balance between the two ethnicities of Sri Lanka, Tamils (of Sri Lankan origin) and Sinhalese, became more and more distorted.

Eviction of Dey Krohom Residents: A Setback for the Rule of the Law
11 Feb 2009

Eviction of Dey Krohom Residents: A Setback for the Rule of the Law

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

Statement by the Cambodia Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

"We have watched with consternation the sudden and violent eviction of what remained of the Dey Krohom community over the Chinese New Year weekend. After nearly a month of protracted negotiations between the residents, the 7NG Construction company and the Municipality, aimed at finding a mutually agreeable settlement of compensation claims, the company unilaterally withdrew from the discussion and the suspended eviction order was implemented by law-enforcement agencies."

Consultation on Human Rights in Australia
19 Jan 2009

Consultation on Human Rights in Australia

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

It was announced this week that Fr Frank Brennan (ASL) will lead a public consultation on Australia’s opinion on human rights. The consultation will ultimately decide if Australia will have its own bill of rights. The announcement, made by Attorney-General Robert McClelland, came with high praise from many circles, including the legal profession and all sections of the media. (Source: Social Apostolate Headlines, December 2008)

A Medal for Sr Denise
6 Dec 2008

A Medal for Sr Denise

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Special congratulations to Sister Mary Denise Coghlan, AM, who was officially presented with the Order of Australia at a ceremony at the Australian Ambassador’s residence on Wednesday.

Australian ambassador Margaret Adamson presents the award to Sister DeniseAustralian ambassador Margaret Adamson presented the award on behalf of the Governor General of Australia to Sister Denise for “service to international humanitarian aid.”

Ignatian Advocacy Workshop a success
6 Dec 2008

Ignatian Advocacy Workshop a success

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

The Ignatian Advocacy Workshop, held in El Escorial, Spain from November 10 – 16, was described as a success by Fr Fernando Franco, director of the Social Justice Secretariat. He said: "The fruits of the Workshop have gone beyond our expectations.

MRI Stories from the Field
24 Sep 2008

MRI Stories from the Field

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

In Myanmar, 2.3 million people were affected by cyclone Nargis. Millions lost their shelter, especially the ‘squatters’ who did not have a land and occupied some of the unhealthy lands as their shelter base.

There were many others who lost their near and dear ones killed in the cyclone. Where the parents died, the children have aged overnight, thrust with the responsibility of surviving and supporting other siblings.

Jesuit Refugee Service in East Timor
9 Apr 2008

Jesuit Refugee Service in East Timor

by | posted in: Migration, Social Justice | 0

After re-establishing itself in Dili, East Timor in October 2007, the Jesuit Refugee Service embarked on a journey to provide emergency community assistance to the internally displaced people (IDP) in Dili. It was decided to start small due to the instability of the political and security situation. JRS selected six camps for the displaced people hosted by the religious congregations/Catholic Church, namely, the Fransiscan’s Convent in Taibesi, the San Jose Jesuit High School, Canossian’ s Convent and the Minor Seminary all in Balide, and the Canossian’s and Salesian’s School in Comoro.

Fr Denis Kim visits Japan
7 Feb 2008

Fr Denis Kim visits Japan

by | posted in: Social Justice | 0

In his effort to gain knowledge of the social apostolates in the various units of the EAO Assistancy, Fr Denis Kim (KOR), EAO Social Apostolate Secretary, visited Japan last December 21 – 27. Fr Kim wrote, “The encounter… has become an inspiring refresh for my role as an Assistancy secretariat. Although I have heard that the Jesuit mission is mainly centered on education in Japan, my visit makes me realize that the Jesuit social apostolate is not weak in the Province.