News Service - Archive 2001

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Jesuits awarded by ICMC for refugee work

Rome, 14 Dec 2001 -- On December 19, the President of the International Catholic Migration Commission, Professor Stefano Zamagni, accompanied by the Secretary General, will pay a visit to Father General to present an award to him in recognition for the work of the Society of Jesus, through the Jesuit Refugee Service among refugees and displaced persons. The award ceremony was previously planned for September 15 in New York, but the incidents of September 11 forced a postponement. Father Lluis Magriñà, International Director of JRS, will also be present at the simple ceremony. The International Catholic Migration Commission has celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation this year. It is established in more than 21 countries.
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A Jesuit in a Dutch-Portuguese Opera

Rotterdam, 12 Dec 2001 -- On Wednesday December 12 an opera "Vreemde melodieën / Melodias Estrenhas" had its premiere in Rotterdam featuring a Portuguese Jesuit. The opera on a libretto by Dutch writer Gerrit Komrij and with music by Portuguese composer António Chagas Rosa deals with the theme of tolerance versus fanatism, reason versus irrationality, symbolised in the meeting between Erasmus of Rotterdam (1469-1536) and Portuguese humanist, composer, writer and diplomat Damio de Góis (1502-1574). The role of the villain is reserved for Jesuit Simo Rodrigues, who laid the Inquisition on the scent of Damio, who is finally murdered. The story is partly based on historical facts. After Rotterdam the opera will be performed in Porto, Portugal.

  

JRS Europe shocked by the death of refugees at Waterford

Brussels, 9 December 2001 - The European Office of the Jesuit Refugee Service is shocked by the death of refugees at Waterford, Ireland, and offers its sympathy to the families and friends of the victims as well as prayers for the recovery of those ill in hospital.

"This tragedy brings close to us the reality that when people are desperate they will resort to desperate and dangerous means. And in this situation they become easy prey for unscrupulous traffickers", says Regional Director John Dardis SJ.

The regulation of migration flows is a Europe wide issue and the EU is working to harmonise its legislation on asylum by 2004. JRS along with other non governmental organisations is participating in the discussions at policy level. This tragic event shows the importance and the urgency of these discussions.

Full text of statement

Further details: John Dardis SJ, +32-494-307476

  

Swiss Jesuit Missionary in Taiwan honored on 101st birthday

Taipei, 8 December 2001 (The China Post) -- A special birthday party was held at the Sacred Heart Home in the Chiayi County yesterday for the facility's founder, Francis Borkhardt, a Swiss Jesuit who will turn 101 years old today. Father Borkhardt has preached his faith in Taiwan for 50 years. He founded the Sacred Heart Home in the remote Chiayi county township of Tungshih in 1990 to provide care for the seriously mentally disabled. The center is now home to more than 100 mentally challenged persons. More than a dozen mentally-challenged residents in the home performed many pieces of beautiful music with various kinds of traditional and alternative instruments.

"This is the most pleasing and memorable music I have ever heard," an excited Borkhardt said, adding that he is grateful for assistance he has received from a number of people in operating the Sacred Heart Home.

  

New JEV-JRS volunteer community in Brussels

Brussels, 29 November 2001 -- Since September 2001 five young volunteers share a flat in Brussels provided by the North Belgian Province (BSE). Annekathrin, Patricia and Stefanie from Germany are doing a year of social work in several local projects in Brussels. Their volunteer programme is organised by the Munich office of Jesuit European Volunteers (JEV). 

Wojtek from Poland and Jan Philipp from Germany are volunteering in the office of Jesuit Refugee Service - Europe (JRS-E). They held their house warming party and official opening of their common flat on 28th November 2001. All five volunteers will stay in Brussels for one year.

More information: Jan Philipp Gerhartz, e-mail: janphilipp.gerhartz@jesref.org 

  

JRS Romania highlights problem of homeless refugees and the vital role of volunteers

Bucharest (Romania), 27 November 2001 -- Up to 80 people may have no homes this Christmas in Bucharest. That’s what emerged from the meeting of the JRS General Assembly which took place on Saturday November 24th. They are either irregular migrants or people who have received a special status of ‘humanitarian protection’ from the Romanian Authorities. They have almost no resources with which they can rent a place to stay. The status of ‘humanitarian protection’ gives people less rights than if they are recognised as refugees under the Geneva Convention.

"We are really concerned about this" said Mihai Benchea, project director with JRS Romania. "Last year, we got emergency funds from JRS in Rome to help us cope. This year, the crisis continues. JRS is renting accommodation for about 30 people. But it is hard to find suitable apartments. JRS is discussing the best way to solve this situation for the long term."

JRS Romania works in a variety of projects in Bucharest including visiting of camps for asylum seekers where it provides multicultural programmes, emergency aid (asylum seekers get only about 40cents US a day each for food) and psychosocial support. JRS also receives asylum seekers at a small office in the Catholic Sacre Coeur Church where JRS Country Director Fr Luc Duquenne SJ is chaplain to the French, English and Arab communities.

More information: Jesuit Refugee Service – Romania
Aleea Zînelor nr. 9A, Bucuresti, Romania, tel: 0040-1-675.78.68
fax: 0040-1-330.8476, email: jrs.romania@fx.ro - romania@jesref.org 

  

JRS Italy to run new night shelter in Rome

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Italy has been chosen by the Municipality of Rome to run a new night shelter. JRS will run the shelter, which will be opened at the beginning of December, in collaboration with some other local NGOs. A staff of five JRS workers - two Italians, three refugees from Iran, Sudan and Iraq ­ will man the shelter.

"The shelter will function as a short-term reception facility, giving assistance to up to 100 newly arrived asylum seekers. The project is part of the National Asylum Program, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, UNHCR and ANCI (National Association of the Italian Municipalities). Since Rome has a high concentration of asylum seekers and a lack of necessary infrastructure to offer services, the National Asylum Program has defined the city as a border area" says JRS Italy information officer, Francesca Campolongo.

  

Bujumbura, Burundi: Jesuits shot in an ambush

Rome, 15 Nov 2001 - According to a FAX from Bujumbura received at the Genral Curia of the Jesuits in Rome on the morning of November 15, Fathers Ignace Samulenzi and Gaétan Gatarayiha were shot in an ambush. Father Samulenzi was seriously wounded, and they were trying to evacuate him to Nairobi. The condition of Father Gatarayiha, wounded on the shoulder, is not as serious. They had been in the company of Father Fabien Gasigwa who escaped injury.
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Jesuits start new Social Apostolate Centre for Eastern Africa

Nairobi, 13 Nov 2001 (Cisa) -- The Eastern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) announces the appointment of Fr. Ludwig Van Heucke, S.J. as the first full-time attendant of Hakimani Centre. The centre, situated at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Thiong'o Road, in Kangemi - Nairobi, wants to provide in the near future its liaison services to all who are active in the social field in Kenya. Right now Fr. Ludwig is surveying the Nairobi scene, getting in touch with the various Catholic and non-Catholic institutions involved in social issues.
Provisional contact: <ludwig@insightkenya.com> 

Source: Catholic Information Service For Africa (CISA)

  

Jesuits in Slovenia start new initiative for refugees and migrants 

The Jesuits in Slovenia have begun a new initiative for refugees and migrants. The project involves visiting migrants and refugees housed in the Centre for Foreigners in Ljubljana, providing basic support and assisting with language instruction. It is entitled Jezuitska Služba za Begunce and is part of a worldwide outreach to refugees and migrants, the Jesuit Refugee Service. The Director is former head of the Slovenian Jesuits, Fr Marijan Šef SJ, who has been working for the past five years in Sarajevo. Jesuit student Peter Rožic is responsible for the day-to-day management of the work along with a team of volunteers.

"Slovenia is a country where most migrants and refugees pass through on their way further west" said Peter Rožic of JRS. "But now it is also becoming a place where some refugees and migrants wish to stay. Often they arrive here in poor physical and psychological condition and we try to meet some of their needs. We urgently need more volunteers to help us in our work." They can contact JRS at Vodnikova 279, 1117 Ljubljana or send an e-mail to peter.rozic@jesref.org."

Linked to this new initiative by the Slovenian Jesuits, twenty five Jesuits from Eastern and Central Europe met this weekend outside Ljubljana to discuss the issue of migration in Eastern and Central Europe and how to respond to it. Part of the meeting involved a visit to the Centre for Foreigners in Ljubljana. Participants met the Assistant Director of the Slovenian Police force, Dr Andrej Anžic and Mrs Darja Peharc who is responsible for the Centre. Dr Anžic welcomed JRS’s work in the Centre and gave approval for it. Jesuit provincial, Fr Janez Poljanšek SJ, who led the Jesuit delegation, spoke of the meeting as a "historic occasion where we can talk together and find future areas of co-operation".

Further information: Peter Rožic SJ, Project Director, tel. +386-31-636964. e mail: peter.rozic@jesref.org. 

  

Fr General calls European Jesuit Alumni/ae for social action

Malta, 1 November 2001 -- In a video message to the XIXth Congress European Association of Jesuit Alumni/ae at the St. Aloysius' College in Malta, 1- 3 November 2001, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, presently on a visit to Latin and South America, reminds the words of his predecessor, Fr Pedro Arrupe, that "our prime educational objective must be to form men for others, ... men completely convinced that love of God which does not issue in justice for men is a farce". Subsequently he suggested three specific fields of action: first, the search for meaning in an environment in which the transcendent dimension seems to have vanished; secondly, the profound cultural mutation which Europe is experiencing, due to immigration; and thirdly, the special attention for Africa.

The full text of Fr Kolvenbach's message is available at the Jesuits in Europe website in English, French and Spanish.

  

KPS to produce TV series teaching simple English to Chinese children

A major cable TV network in Taiwan and the McDonald’s food chain have contracted the Jesuit run Kuangchi Program Service in Taipei to produce a daily TV series teaching simple English to Chinese children. The series will begin prime time broadcasts in Taiwan in early November. If successful, the cable company plans to use the series to launch its children's channel in Mainland China. According to its custom, Kuangchi will use the series to cultivate positive values and healthy habits in the young viewing audience.

  

76 new Jesuit Novices for the whole of Europe

Brussels, 30 Oct 2001 -- For the whole of the 30 Jesuit Provinces in Europe 76 new novices enter the Society this year. Both Polish Provinces lead the field with 15 and 12 novices. Besides there are 73 novices who start the second year. 61 novices have taken their first vows.

See tabel Novices in Europe 2001

  

Pope praises Matteo Ricci who made himself "Chinese with the Chinese"

Rome, 25 Oct 2001 - In a message for the for the fourth Centenary of the arrival in Beijing of Matteo Ricci, Pope John Paul II has praised the great merits of this Italian Jesuit missionary and scientist. "For four centuries China has highly esteemed Li Madou, "the Sage of the West", the name by which Father Matteo Ricci was known and continues to be known today. Historically and culturally he was a pioneer, a precious connecting link between West and East, between European Renaissance culture and Chinese culture, and between the ancient and magnificent Chinese civilization and the world of Europe. ... Father Matteo Ricci made himself so "Chinese with the Chinese" that he became an expert Sinologist, in the deepest cultural and spiritual sense of the term, for he achieved in himself an extraordinary inner harmony between priest and scholar, between Catholic and orientalist, between Italian and Chinese", the Pope said.

At the same time John Paul II has called for the restoration of diplomatic ties between the Vatican and China and apologised for any "errors" made by missionaries in the past. "I feel deep sadness for those errors and limits of the past, and I regret that in many people these failings may have given the impression of a lack of respect and esteem for the Chinese people on the part of the Catholic Church," he said.

  

International Conference on Jesuit Missionary Matteo Ricci at the Gregoriana

Rome, 24 Oct 2001 - A two-day International Conference on "Matteo Ricci: A Dialogue between China and the West" starts today at the Gregorian University in Rome. The occasion is to mark the 400th anniversary of Ricci's arrival in Beijing.

Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) is considered a national figure even by the Chinese Communist Party. He took the European wisdom and science of the time, specifically trigonometry, to the great Oriental empire.

 This conference was preceded by a similar one held in Beijing, October 14-18, organized by the Institute of World Religions of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Ricci Institute of the University of San Francisco.

During a General Audience, Pope John Paul II called Ricci "an authentic prophet of inculturation and the first bridge between Catholicism and the Chinese culture" and his apostolate "a precious model for those who work in the evangelisation of various cultural and religious milieu".

  

JRS is calling on States to open their borders to refugees from Afghanistan

Rome, 22 Oct 2001 - In a statement issued today, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is calling on States to open their borders to the refugees from Afghanistan. "These people have already faced 22 years of civil war, oppression and poverty. They are now facing closed borders as they seek refuge from bombardment," said JRS International director, Lluis Magrina SJ.

JRS is also concerned that refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are being used as a
scapegoat for the terrorist attacks. It also adds its voice to those urging paramount consideration for the protection of civilian lives. The ongoing attacks are making it increasingly difficult for aid agencies to deliver relief to the trapped population.

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), an international Catholic NGO working in over 50 countries. -- Full text of the today Statement at www.jesref.org. 

  

First-ever meeting of Archivists of the Society of Jesus

  

Rome, 21 Oct 2001 -- From October 22 to October 28, a Conference of Jesuit Archivists and Archivists working in Jesuit Institutions will meet in Rome. The announced number of participants is 70, of whom 12 (7 males and 5 females) are not Jesuits. In preparation for the Conference, Father Thomas McCoog, the convenor, has edited "A Guide to Jesuit Archives", jointly published by the Institute of Jesuit Sources (St. Louis, U.S.A) and the Institutum Historicum Societatis Jesu (Rome). It is the first-ever meeting regarding Archivists of the Society.

  

European Provincials together for annual General Assembly

Lyon (France), 18 Oct 2001 - The 37 members of the Conference of European Provincials (CEP) gather in Lyon, France, from 19 till 24 October 2001 for their annual General Assembly.

"Two main topics are on the agenda: the Task Forces on our Formation Centres, as asked by Father General, and the interprovincial collaboration on some common apostolic priorities in the different Provinces. One of these common concerns is the issue on migrants and refugees in Europe. We also will hear a report on the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Europe by Regional Director John Dardis and a report on the Catholic European Study and Information Centre (OCIPE) by Director Pierre de Charentenay", says CEP President Mark Rotsaert.

Because of his involvement in the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome, Father General, Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, is not able to attend the meeting.

 

Father Kolvenbach draws attention on interreligious dialogue

Vatican City, 5 Oct 2001 - In his intervention for the Synod of Bishops, on Friday afternoon, Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, Superior General of the Society of Jesus and elected by the Union of Superiors General, drew attention on the importance of interreligious dialogue, to which many members of the consecrated life already are dedicated. Bishops can be of great help by promoting in their diocese awareness of the meaning and practice of this dialogue.

Dialogue is not only the task of experts and professionals. Dialogue means sharing our own life on all levels with people of other religions, Fr Kolvenbach said. 

According to the Jesuits' Superior General "Dialogue is the duty and responsibility of every Christian and every Christian community. As an expression of the new commandment, this dialogue requires an integral approach and cannot remain at the level of polite words, ambiguous language or meetings which instead of being real encounters are just media events. The way of acting of Our Lord is a model for dialogue. His dialogue with the Samaritan and the discovery of the faith by a Roman soldier are just two examples of the Word of God which proposes rather and does not impose the good news. The kenotic dimension of the Lord draws special significance for a spirituality of dialogue".

  

Dutch "Jesuit Mountain" Monument of the Year

Amsterdam, 4 Oct 2001 -- From the end of the 19th century through the middle of the 20th century Jesuit theology students in Maastricht (The Netherlands) used to spend their weekly villa days in the marl pits south of the city. About four hundred of them made it into one gigantic art gallery, with statues in marl, frescos and other works of art. 217 of them, originating from different countries, left their self portrait in chalk on the many walls. Since 1996 this "Jezuïetenberg" (Jesuit Mountain) is an official Monument of National (Dutch) Culture. This year it has been named Monument of the Year. Unesco considers naming it Monument of World Culture. The "Jezuïetenberg" can be visited after telephone appointment with Peter Houben of the "Stichting Jezuïetenberg": tel/fax 043-321.34.88.

  

Italian review Popoli about "Jesuit missionaries in Europe"

Milano, 2 October 2001 - In its October issue the Italian review Popoli is focusing on "Gesuiti missionari d'Europa", Jesuits missionaries in Europe. For the Society of Jesus social involvement and evangelisation are also needed in the own European continent. The re-christianisation of former Communist countries, migrants and refugees in the big cities, social action and need for correct information are some of the topics. In fact, according to Bartolomeo Sorge in his editorial, the mission ,,ad gentes'' bears also on our own countries.
More information: popoli@gesuiti.it 

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Nine Jesuits on the List of Participants for the Bishops' Synod

Rome, 30 Sept 2001 -- Nine Jesuits are on the official list of Participants for the Tenth Ordinary General Assembly (30 September-27 October 2001) on the topic: "The Bishop: Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World". Five have been elected by their Episcopal Conference. Fr General has been elected by the Union of Superiors General. Two have been appointed as experts and one is responsible for information.

Elected by their Episcopal Conference:
- H. Em. Card. Carlo Maria MARTINI, S.I., Archbishop of Milan, Italy
- H. Em. Card. Jorge Mario BERGOGLIO, S.J., Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina
- H.E. Most Rev. Luciano Pedro MENDES DE ALMEIDA, S.J., Archbishop of Mariana, Brazil
- H.E. Most Rev. Luis Armando BAMBARÉN GASTELUMENDI, S.J., Bishop of Chimbote, President of the Episcopal Conference, Peru
- H. Em. Card. Julius Riyadi DARMAATMADJA, S.J., Archbishop of Jakarta, Indonesia

Elected by the Union of Superiors General:
- Rev. Fr. Peter-Hans KOLVENBACH, S.I., Superior General of the Society of Jesus

Experts of the Special Secretary:
- Rev. Gianfranco GHIRLANDA, S.J., Dean of the Faculty of Canon Law at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (Italy).
- Rev. Cándido POZO, S.J., Professor of Dogmatic Theology at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Granada (Spain).

Responsible for information (French language):
-  Rev. Pierre GÉRARD, S.I., Chief Editor of French Programs, Vatican Radio (France).

  

Jesuit Cardinal Martini of Milan to Retire in February

  

Milan, 9 Sept 2001 (Zenit.org).- Jesuit Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini announced that he plans to retire as archbishop of Milan next February and go to Jerusalem. His announcement is in keeping with the Code of Canon Law, which requires bishops to offer their resignation at age 75. He has been named archbishop of Milan by John Paul II on 29 December 1979.

Referring to his retirement in his pastoral letter for 2001-2002, Cardinal Martini said "this is not just a formal act, but something useful to give impetus and an opening to new persons."

"I do not keep secret my desire, expressed to the Pope, to retire to Jerusalem to dedicate myself to prayer and the study of codes and manuscripts," the Jesuit cardinal revealed.

  

Pope presents Matteo Ricci as Model of Inculturation

Rome, 5 Sept 2001 (Zenit.org) -- John Paul II today said he follows with great interest the dialogue with China, especially the two congresses that will be held in Rome and Beijing in October on the figure of Matteo Ricci, the great evangelizer of that country. The two congresses commemorate the fourth centenary of the arrival of the Jesuit missionary in the Asian nation.

Matteo Ricci (1552-1610) is considered a national figure even by the Chinese Communist Party. He took the European wisdom and science of the time, specifically trigonometry, to the great Oriental empire. The diocesan phase of Ricci's cause of beatification has been completed, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray revealed recently. The cardinal is in close touch with the Italian-Chinese Institute.

"I follow these important initiatives with great interest and I hope they will have complete success, as the figure of Matteo Ricci is a precious model for anyone working in the field of proclamation of the Gospel in different cultural and religious contexts," the Pope added.

  

Eurojess meets in Berlin to discuss "Faces of Migration"

Berlin, 3 Sept 2001 -- EUROJESS, the network of European Jesuits in social sciences, together with other fellows active in the Jesuit Refugee Service and in social apostolate, did meet during the last weekend in Berlin, at the premises of the Catholic Academy located in the former East part of the city. "Faces of Migration" was the theme of the conference.

All western European countries do have increasing flows of immigrants: both economic immigrants and asylum seekers. The demographers in the group pointed out that immigration, in a sense, is necessary. The human rights activists pointed out that the ordeal asylum seekers are facing does not make sense at all. In European countries there is a fear that immigration is threatening. What are the grounds for this fear? That was a point raised at the final evening when also the Archbishop of Berlin was visiting the conference.

  

CLC Euroteam writes to European Jesuits

Brussels, 2 Sept 2001 -- The CLC Euroteam, representing the European Christian Life Communities, writes to all European Jesuits who are involved in various apostolates in Europe, especially to those whose apostolate brings them in contact with youth. 

The last European Assembly of CLC, in its desire to find a Common European Mission, chose Youth as one of its priorities and mandated the Euroteam to find ways of implementing this priority in concrete projects. So far the Euroteam has been listening to the National Communities and trying to find concrete ways of responding to this common concern. To be relevant to youth today there is a need to look for new ways of responding to their needs in the society and culture in which they live. Now the Euroteam is trying to set up a group (network) of CLCers and Jesuits who work full-time or professionally part-time with youth.

Full text of the Letter

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Exhibition on Athanasius Kircher in Amsterdam

 

Amsterdam, 1 Sept 2001 -- From September 1 through October 7 the Museum Amstelkring in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, organizes an exhibition under the title "Athanasius Kircher in Amsterdam. A seventeenth century scholar looking for lost knowledge". To honor his 400th birthday all books of German Jesuit Athanasius Kircher (1601-1680), published by Amsterdam printers, have been brought together for the first time and are on display. On August 26 a television documentary on Athanasius Kircher, made by Anton Haakman, was broadcasted by VPRO on Dutch television.

More about Athanasius Kircher

  

RD Congo: Belgian Jesuit assassinated in probable robbery

Rome, 30 August 2001 ( Misna) -- The body of 82-year-old Belgian Jesuit Father Emile Jouret was found two days ago in Kikwit (Democratic Republic of Congo). According to first information, the Jesuit was stabbed in his room. Concerning the motives and culprits of the assassination, MISNA sources explained that it was in all probability a robbery attempt, or in any case a financially dictated aggression, given that that Father Jouret was the economist of the Technical and Professional Institute of Kikwit. Fr. Jouret became a Jesuit in 1936 and was ordained priest in 1949. Three years later he professed his perpetual vows.

  

Association of Jesuit Alumni/ae makes commitment

Rome, 22 August 2001 - According to "Ensemble / Together / Concordes", the Bulletin of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni/ae, the Pedro Arrupe World Association has contributed 32.580 € (US$ 30.000)  towards the work of the Jesuit Refugee Service in Africa. The contribution aims mainly at the training of the 120 teachers who manage workshops set up by the JRS. The workshops cover skills such as bakery, embroidery, sewing, soap-making and weaving.

The Council of the World Union of Jesuit Alumni/ae, in its last meeting, drew up a plan of action composed of 16 items, and fixed the date by which it should be completed. The Bulletin also announces that the next World Congress of Jesuit Alumni/ae will be held in late January 2003.

In the meantime the European Association of Jesuit Alumni/ae is organising a Congress in Malta, 1-4 November 2001. "Jesuits in Europe" has been asked to host the special Congress website.

  

Closer cooperation between Dutch and Flemish Jesuits

Brussels, 21 August 2001 - From September on the cooperation between the Jesuit Provinces of North Belgium (BSE) and the Netherlands (NER) - both provinces are "Dutch-speaking" - will get a new and visible expression. Their internal newsletters will be joined together. Later on they will also publish a common catalogue of Jesuits. Last year the two Provinces of Germany and the Province of Austria already combined forces for a common newsletter.

  

European Jesuits to discuss their presence "in deprived areas"

Strasbourg, 6 August 2001 - Eighty Jesuits, mainly from Western European countries and active in social apostolate, are gathering this week at the Ciarus Centre in Strasbourg for their 7th European Meeting on "Life in deprived areas: social and ecclesial dimensions for today". Key note speaker is J.-L. Brunin, Auxiliary Bishop of Lille, France. Participants will have the opportunity to share their ideas and experiences.

On this occasion the Social Justice Secretariat of the General Curia in Rome has published the "History of the Jesuit Workers' Mission" in a special issue of "Promotio Iustitiae".

  

JDRAD signs Interreligious Appeal for Economic Justice for Impoverished Countries

Genoa, 19 July 2001 -- JDRAD (Jesuits for Debt Relief and Development) is an international network whose mission is to mobilise the Jesuit voice and contribution on issues of debt and development. Along with around ninety religious congregations and other organisations, JDRAD has signed the Interreligious Appeal for Economic Justice for Impoverished Countries. It appeals bravely for daring initiatives to create a new economy. The manifesto is not afraid to spell out what should be done: cancel the entire debt of the impoverished countries, end programmes of structural adjustment, and reach international commercial agreements which benefit impoverished countries. Joining members of other faiths and beliefs, the religious are taking part in an international march on Saturday 21 July and are spending two days in prayer and fasting at the Franciscan Church of Saint Anthony beginning the morning of Friday 20 July.

Contemplative convents in Genoa, along with many parishes and groups in different parts of the world, are joining in the prayer, and everyone is invited to follow their example as well as send messages of solidarity. "You will not resign yourselves to a world where other human beings die of hunger, remain illiterate and have no work," the Pope challenged young people last year. "You will strive with all your strength to make this earth ever more liveable for all people."

  

Vatican Radio program on Saint Ignatius

Starting on July 17, Vatican Radio will broadcast, once a week for four continuous weeks, a program dedicated to Saint Ignatius: The life of a pilgrim: Ignatius and the Society of Jesus. Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, General Superior of the Society of Jesus, will introduce each program which will deal with the following topics:

  

Jesuit missionary Michael Windey in India: Religions must unite to serve the poor

Brussels, 14 July 2001 - People of all religions in India should unite to serve the poor, as the country's poverty is so immense, said Belgian Jesuit missionary Michael Windey (80), Director of Village Reconstruction Organisation (VRO), in an interview with UCA News

"Religions have to become the vehicles of peace and human dignity and stop being battle-fields of spiritual dominance or arrogance. Only in the service of one another, specially the poor, we can fulfil our mission", Windey stated. . He sees a youth-based ecumenical and interreligious programme for integrated village renewal as an urgent need to combat poverty. Himself has spent more than half a century in India. For the last three decades he is building such renewed village communities throughout the country.

  

Nineteen students graduate from "Euroklasse" at Sankt Blasien, Germany

Sankt Blasien, Germany, 13 July 2001 - Nineteen students between 14 and 18 years and coming from France, Switzerland, Ireland, Czech Republic, Russia, Lithuania, Hungary, Albania, USA, Korea and China have successfully completed the one year special German Language Course ("Euroklasse") at Sankt Blasien Kolleg, a Jesuit run high school in southern Germany. They got an official certificate from the Goethe Institute in Leipzig and are now allowed to enrol at a German university.

  

Papal message to the Eighth Vatican Observatory School of Astrophysics

Vatican City, 6 July 2001 (VIS/JIE) -- Pope John Paul has sent a message to the participants in the Eighth Vatican Observatory School of Astrophysics, currently underway at the Vatican Observatory in Castelgandolfo. He also greeted a number of benefactors of the observatory who are present at the meetings. The Pope recalls the purpose of these schools "has been to contribute to progress in developing countries by introducing some of their most talented young people to the best current scientific practice and theory in this area." He notes that this year "you have been studying the final state of stars as they come to exhaust their normal sources of energy. This leads to an examination of some of the most fundamental characteristics of the universe, and inevitably directs our thoughts to our own destiny within that universe. The desire to understand creation and our own place within it according to the strict canons of science is one of the noblest of human aspirations."

"Your astrophysical research," the Holy Father affirms, "is not a luxury remote from the daily concerns of people and irrelevant to the building of a more human world. What you do as scientists is important for all of us, especially when your empirically grounded vision of reality leads to an understanding of the human person as an integral element in the created universe." In closing, he refers to the fields of science, art, philosophy and theology and tells the students, "Your scientific research will be most creative and beneficial to society when it helps to unify the knowledge deriving from these different sources and leads to a fruitful dialogue with those working in other fields of learning."

From 17 June to 13 July 2001 twenty-six young scholars are participating in the Summer School. The selection of the twenty-six was made by the principal faculty of the School and the Observatory Director from 120 applications. The young scholars selected come from nineteen different countries: Argentina, Armenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Denmark, Honduras, India, Mexico, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, United States of America, Venezuela and Yugoslavia. 

  

Fr Federico Lombari Director General a.i. of Vatican Television Center

Vatican City, 2 July 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father: accepted the resignation of Msgr. Ugo Moretto from the position of director general and secretary of the administrative council of the Vatican Television Center, at the same time appointing Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., program director of Vatican Radio, as director general "ad interim" and secretary of the administrative council of the same Center.

The Vatican Television Center (CTV) was created in 1983. In November 1996 it was officially recognized as an organization fully associated with the Holy See. The principal aim of CTV is to contribute to spreading the universal message of the Gospel by using television to document the Pope's pastoral ministry and the activities of the Apostolic See. The main services offered by CTV are the following: live broadcasts, production, archiving, and daily assistance to other broadcasters.

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Canadian Jesuit murdered in Jamaica

Martin RoyackersToronto, 21 June 2001 -- The pastor of St. Teresa's Church, St Mary's Parish, Annotto Bay Jamaica W.I., Jesuit Father Martin J. Royackers SJ (41), has reportedly been murdered Wednesday night. Deacon Anton Fernandopool discovered his body, with a bullet wound through his chest, Thursday morning at about 0530h local time (0930 GMT). Police are investigating. The church is sealed off and none of the staff can gain entrance at this time. An autopsy is mandated by Jamaican law in such circumstances. Until that is complete, no funeral arrangements can be finalized.

Three weeks ago Fr Martin Royackers received a death threat by phone because of his involvement in the St Mary Rural Development Project (SMRDP), a joint project of the local people and the Canadian Jesuits and CIDA (a Canadian government Agency). Among other things SMRDP seeks to put unused government land into food production. Moreover Jamaica's land redistribution, after the abolition of slavery in the late 19th century, remains largely undone. For the moment there is no established connection between this event and the death of Fr Martin.

Source: Canadian Jesuits International - More

  

World Refugee Day: JRS highlights urgent needs of forcibly displaced people

Rome, 19 June 2001 -- In a statement marking World Refugee Day on 20 June, JRS highlights the urgent needs of an estimated 50 million forcibly displaced people worldwide and calls on states to honour their commitment under the Geneva Convention to protect them. "The international community must protect and defend the rights of refugees, many of whom are vulnerable to exploitation by human traffickers around the world," said JRS International director, Lluis Magrina SJ.

The JRS statement is available at www.jesref.org/inf/alert/jrswrd01.htm 

  

Father General to visit the Rwanda-Burundi Region and Eastern Congo

Rome, 16 June 2001 -- From June 30 till July 10 Father General is visiting the Rwanda-Burundi Region where he will visit Kigali and Cyangugu (Rwanda), Bujumbura (Burundi), and other places where the Jesuits work. On July 2nd, he will pray at the site where mass murders took place in the ethnic confrontation several years ago. Outside the Rwanda-Burundi Region, he will pay a short visit to the Jesuits of Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.In the Rwanda-Burundi Region there are 33 Jesuits: one Bishop, 17 priests, 14 scholastics and one Brother. Father Jean Ilboudo, Assistant for Africa, will accompany Father General on his trip. [French] [Spanish]

  

Jesuits sketch Catholic Political Agenda for Italy

VATICAN, Jun 14, 01 (CWNews.com) -- One month after Italy's national elections, the authoritative Jesuit magazine La Civilta Cattolica has published an analysis of the country's political situation. La Civilta Cattolica expresses surprise that some Italian newspapers had criticized Pope John Paul II for his statements prior to the election. The Pope's public comments were not partisan in any way, the Jesuit review points out; he merely stressed the importance of protecting the family and the institution of marriage. Defending family life, the article continues, is now "the essential field of engagement for Catholic politics." Along with efforts to avoid legal recognition of same-sex marriage, Civilta Cattolica argues that protection for the family should entail protection for the right of parents to educate their children as they see fit. This, in turn, leads to support for equitable funding of private and parochial schools.

Finally, the Jesuit review insists that political leaders must be conscientious in protecting children from exploitation. The article denounces those who have catered to a libertarian movement that would reduce or eliminate restrictions on sexual activity between adults and minors. "Catholics who are engaged in national politics are not representatives of the Church," the article pointed out. "They are not elected by the Church." But while they are responsible primarily to the people who elect them, Catholics who are involved in politics must also respond to the demands for their own informed consciences.

  

Fr Mark Raper SJ Awarded for Service to Refugees 

Rome, 11 June 2001 (JRS) -- Former JRS International director, Mark Raper SJ, has been recognised in this year's Queen’s Birthday honours list. The Australian Governor-General appointed him as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia on 11 June. Fr Raper, 58, stepped down at the end of 2000 after ten years’ service as International director and currently holds the Visiting Jesuit Chair in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, Washington.

"I am surprised and honoured to receive this award. Of course it is given because of the brave work of the many people, both refugees and volunteers, with whom I have been associated over the past 20 years," said Fr Raper. "I only hope that it indicates a desire of many Australians that our country will be a welcoming society and will reject its current practice of restraining asylum seekers by force."
  

  

Croatian Jesuits invite Dalai Lama

Zagreb, 1 June 2001 -- At a press conference in Zagreb Fr Anto Misic, vice dean of the Jesuit faculty of liberal arts , announced that Tibet's spiritual leader in exile, the Dalai Lama, is to visit Croatia for the first time between 18 and 20 October. He is invited to give lectures at the faculty on inter-religious dialogue and Tibetan Buddhism.

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Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach elected Vice-President USG

   Rome, 28 May 2001 (VID) -- Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., General Superior of the Society of Jesus, has been elected Vice-President of the Union of General Superiors (USG) by the Assembly of the Union last Friday. At the Executive Council he will be replaced by Fr Josep Maria Balcells, General Superior of the Piarists. The Assembly is preparing its contribution on Consecrated Life for the next Bishops' Synod to be held in Rome next October and dedicated to the role of the local bishop.

  

  

  

  University Presidents gather in Rome

Rome, 26 May 2001 -- Around 130 Rectors, Presidents, Principals of Jesuit Institutions of Higher Education from 35 countries all over the world are together in Rome for a three-day discussion covering the commitment of the Society to the intellectual apostolate, the relationship between University and society at large, Lay-Jesuit partnership in light of our mission and identity, and the need of international collaboration. Father General will deliver the keynote address on Sunday 27 May.

  

Father General pays a visit to Greece

Athens, 12 May 2001 -- Fr General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach arrives today in Athens to pay a four day visit to the Jesuits in Greece. In Greece the Society of Jesus  has two residences (Athens and Tinos) with a total of 18 Jesuits: 14 in Athens and 4 in Tinos. Within the Catholic minority Jesuits are the largest religious congregation. Most of them are strongly involved in ecumenical work.

  

Fr General to open new Noviciate for Slovakia

Bratislava, 3 May 2001 -- Fr. General Peter-Hans Kolvenbach will visit the Slovak Province on May 19-21 on the occasion of opening a new house for the Noviciate in Ruzomberok. He will visit also a new Retreat House in Piestany and meet with Slovak Jesuits in other places as well. The Noviciate of the Slovak Province moves from Trnava, western Slovakia, to Ruzomberok, a small city surrounded by mountains in the central part of Slovakia. The noviciate has been in Trnava from 1990 in a rather small house in the suburb. Now it is returning to the renovated building of the former Jesuit noviciate, which had been taken by Communists in 1950 and was returned back to Jesuits last year. Slovak Province has 13 novices: 8 in 2nd year and 5 in 1st year.

The Noviciate will change the address from May 20:
Noviciat Spolocnosti Jezisovej, Nam. Andreja Hlinku 56
034 50 Ruzomberok - Tel. +421-848-4321679

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Jesuit Cardinal Tucci nears 80th Birthday

VATICAN, Apr. 18, 01 (CWNews.com) ­ Jesuit Cardinal Roberto Tucci, the chief organizer for papal trips, will celebrate his 80th birthday on Thursday, April 19. Cardinal Tucci has been organizing papal trips since September 1982. In advance of each papal voyage, he has traveled to the countries involved, negotiating and arranging the details of the Pope’s schedule. He has recently returned from such a trip to Ukraine, where he was preparing for the Pope’s trip in June. After the Pope’s next two trips abroad—to Syria, Greece, and Malta in May; and to Ukraine in June—Cardinal Tucci will retire from his role as coordinator of papal travel. That task will be taken up by Msgr. Renato Boccardo, who has been working at the Pontifical Council for the Laity.

Cardinal Tucci, whose mother was English, was originally baptized as an Anglican. He entered the Catholic Church as a student, and eventually joined the Jesuit order. He had been an editor at the Jesuit review Civilta Cattolica, and a director of Vatican Radio, before taking his current assignment. He received his red hat at the February consistory, as Pope John Paul honored him for his service.

  

Father General on a visit to the British Jesuit Province

London, 16 April 2001 -- Father General starts today a visit to the British Jesuit Province. He will call in at Birmingham, Leeds, Edinburg and Glasgow. In Leeds he will attend a Province Meeting around Creative Fidelity, Province Mission and Partnership. Non-Jesuit collaborators will be invited to the session of 18 April.

  

Pope celebrates Gregorian University's 450 years

Vatican City, 6 April 2001 (VIS) - Today at 11:30 in the Paul VI Hall, Pope John Paul received the grand chancellor, rector, faculty and students of Rome's Jesuit-run Pontifical Gregorian University on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of its institution by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus or Jesuits. A number of cardinals and bishops also were present this morning, as was Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, superior general of the Jesuits.

In his talk, the Holy Father pointed out that St. Ignatius entrusted the Roman College "with the task of promoting reasoned and systematic reflection on the faith to favor the correct preaching of the Gospel and the cause of Catholic unity in a social context marked by serious divisions and worrisome seeds of separation."

  

450th Anniversary of the Founding of the Roman College

Rome, 4-5 April 2001 - The Pontifical Gregorian University marks the 450th anniversary of the founding of the Roman College in 1551 with an Academic Convocation. A series of lectures, held in the Aula Magna at the university's main building, Piazza della Pilotta 4, discusses the Gregorian's mission in today's world with respect to four topics: Christian faith and global justice; culture; inter-religious dialogue; and the needs of the universal Church.

Distinguished Gregorian faculty members and guests from various dicasteries of the Holy See and from other world-wide academic and civic institutions consider what this unique university can learn from its long history so as to face the new challenges of the third millennium with renewed vigour and with creative fidelity to the Church. The speakers include among others such internationally known figures as Fernando de la Rua, President of the Republic of Argentina, Federico Mayor, Director of the Foundation for a Culture of Peace and former Director of UNESCO, Dr. Antonio Fazio, Governor of Banca d'Italia, Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, General of the Society of Jesus.

  

Electronic Communications in Lithuania: The Prize goes to the Jesuits

Vatican City, 17 March 2001 (VID) -- In Lithuania the use of Internet is growing rapidly especially among young people, declared Cardinal Audrys Juozas Backis, archbishop of Vilnius. The Church too is getting organized with a site for the Episcopal Conference of Lithuania in Lithuanian and in English. As regards the other ecclesiastical realities, "three out of nine men's congregations have their own Internet site. The most professional is the Jesuits' site", while "only 3 out of 39 women's Congregations have their own website". Internet however - he adds - "offers us a marvellous opportunity to create a data base which can be easily and contentiously updated ".

Source: Vidimus Dominum

  

"Cuadernos Cristianisme i Justícia" celebrating 100th issue

Barcelona, 16 March 2001 -- The bulletin Cuadernos Cristianisme i Justícia (Christianity and Justice Quarterly) in Barcelona is celebrating the publication of its 100th issue. It is published by the Jesuit-sponsored Lluís Espinal Foundation, named after a Catalan Jesuit journalist of the Bolivian Province who was martyred in 1980. It publishes the reflections of a growing group of university professors, theologians and social scientists interested in the dialogue between faith and justice. A special hundredth issue called "Christianity attacks injustice" re-states their calling and purpose: a renewal of Christianity impelled by a "hunger and thirst for justice" for all men and women. See <www.fespinal.com>.

  

Father General visits France

Lyon, 12 March 2001 -- Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, General Superior of the Society of Jesus, is visiting the Province of France from 10 to 18 March 2001. He will be the guest of the communities of Lalouvesc, La Chauderaie and the Noviciate. He will also meet the Jesuits of the Lyon region, attend meetings of the Province Consult and the Superiors and participate in the Scholastics' weekend.

  

Eleven Jesuits Declared Blessed

Rome, 11 March 2001 -- This morning Pope John Paul II has declared Blessed a large group of priests, religious, women religious and lay people who suffered martyrdom in Spain during the Civil War (1936-39). Among them, there are eleven Jesuits who belonged to the then Aragón Province, and a layman very closely connected with the Society.

"The Church is not beatifying them because they were of the right or left, Fascists or Communists, but because they were persons who lived their Christian life with consistence, fidelity to the Gospel, and absolute obedience to the magisterium and the teaching of the Church. They crowned this Christian life with the supreme sacrifice of blood", explained Bishop Vicente Carcel Orti, writer and one of the experts on the subject, and chancellor of the Roman Rota in Rome.

Strong applause rang out at St. Peter's Square when John Paul, reading his homily in Spanish, invoked the names of the newly beatified in a plea for an end to terrorism blamed on Basque separatists in Spain. ``Terrorism is born of hatred and in turn feeds it,'' John Paul said, his voice sounding tired and at times quite hoarse during the two-hour ceremony. ``No motive, no cause or ideology can justify it. Only peace can build peoples. Terror is the enemy of humanity.''

  

Two hundred years ago the Pope approved the Society in Russia

Rome, 6 March 2001 -- March 7, 2001, is the 200th anniversary of the pontifical approval of the Society of Jesus (suppressed in 1773) in the Russian Empire. 

In answer to the request from the Vicar General of the Society in Russia and to the explicit wishes of czar Paul I, on March 7, 1801, Pope Pius VII signed the Breve "Catholicae fidei" by which he approved the existence of the Society of Jesus in the Russian Empire. This was an all-important step towards the Restoration of the Society in 1814.

The presence of Jesuits in the empire of the czars goes back to 1772 when Poland was divided for the first time, and White Russia became part of the empire. The number of Jesuits grew to 201 living in 18 communities. Since Catherine the Great (1762-1796) did not allow the promulgation of the Society's suppression in her territory, the Jesuits' presence in White Russia was legitimate. This providential continuity was due not only to the intervention of Catherine but also to the tolerance, at first, and then to the pontifical approval of this anomalous situation.

On June 21, 1992, Father General decreed the erection of the Russian Independent Region, which on September 30 of the same year, obtained official recognition from the Russian government. Even if in 1997 Russia adopted the principle of freedom of conscience and religion, the Jesuits had to apply once more for official registration. They obtained it on September 12, 2000. Presently, the Jesuits of the Russian Independent Region number 58 and they work in Moscow, Novosibirsk and in some of the Republics which once belonged to the Soviet Union: Byelorussia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Kirgizistan.

A comprehensive treatment of these historical facts can be found in Father Inglot's book--"The Society of Jesus in the Russian Empire (1772-1820) and its contribution to the worldwide Restoration"--published in Italian by the Gregorian Univeristy, 1997.

Source: SJ Electronic Information Service, Rome

  

Russia: Third visa refusal for senior Jesuit priest

Brussels, 5 March 2001 -- According to the UK based Keston News Service Father Stanislaw Opiela, a Polish Jesuit who is secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Russia and rector of the St Thomas Aquinas College of Catholic Theology in Moscow, was refused a Russian entry visa, for the third time in a row, on 27 February. No explanation has been given by Russian Foreign Ministry officials either to Catholic leaders or to Keston News Service.

Father Bogdan Sewerynik, vicar general of the Apostolic Administration for Latin-rite Catholics in European Russia, said he was perplexed as this was the first such case involving a Catholic priest in Russia. "It's difficult to say what the reason is", he told Keston on 2 March. "Maybe it's connected with the registration of the Jesuit order". He confirmed that Father Opiela remains secretary of the bishops' conference, adding optimistically: "We believe Father Stanislaw will be able to return to Russia".

The Ministry of Justice three times refused to reregister the Jesuits under Russia's controversial 1997 religion law, but Father Opiela insisted on the registration of the order in accordance with its own canonical rules and finally won this right through the Constitutional Court (September 2000). Father Opiela was Superior of the Russian Independent Region of the Society of Jesus for eight years.

  

Diocese of Bruges wants Flemish Jesuit missionary to be beatified

Brussels, 5 March 2001 -- On 15 March 2001 the Diocese of Bruges, Belgium, will introduce the official procedure for the beatification of Father Constant Lievens. The ceremony will take place at the Saint Martin's Church of Moorslede, the home village of the Flemish Jesuit missionary, and will be conducted by Bishop Roger Vangheluwe. Honorary Director of Missio Belgium, Monsignor Omer Tanghe, has been appointed as diocesan postulator. Vice-postulators are Flor Jonckheere s.j. (India) and Frans Herpels (former parish priest of Gullegem).

In 1880 Constant Lievens (1856-1893) was sent to Chotanagpur in India, where he founded the Jesuit mission. He dedicated himself to the local poor, fought for their fundamental and social rights and introduced an original system of social savings accounts. He died in Leuven, Belgium, in 1893.

The "Lineamenta" for the Synod of Bishops, Special Assembly for Asia, 1996, mentioned: "Towards the end of the XIX century further progress in evangelization work was made in several parts of Asia. During this period, Constant Lievens and his Jesuit companions were responsible for the mass conversion of the Adivasis of the Chotanagpur region in central India. This young Church now numbers about 2 million Catholics."

  

Statistics for the year 2000: 21.063 Jesuits

The Secretariat of the Society has compiled the Statistics for the year 2000. As of January 1, 2001, there were 21.063 Jesuits: 14.852 priests, 3.964 scholastics, 2.230 Brothers and 17 indifferent (novices in the process of discernment about joining the Society as scholastics or Brothers). The total represents a decrease of 291 from the previous year. The average age of all Jesuits was 56,96 years: 63,19 for priests, 28,87 for scholastics, and 65,33 for Brothers.

Source: SJ Electronic Information Service, Rome

  

JRS field studies reveal new findings on irregular migration

Brussels, 27 Feb 2001 -- Measures being taken across the EU are preventing people who are in real need of asylum from getting the protection they deserve and are having serious effects on human rights. These are just two of the findings of a number of empirical field studies commissioned by the Jesuit Refugee Service, an agency specialising in refugee issues. The results of the field studies are summarised in a booklet published by the Refugee Studies Centre at Oxford University.

'We are extremely concerned at the results of this research' says John Dardis SJ, Regional Director of JRS Europe. 'One strand of it shows that the people who are the most vulnerable and who have most claim on our compassion are afraid to pursue that claim through channels open to them as of right. Asylum seekers are being forced into the arms of traffickers. This is especially serious as government policies seem to be playing a role in this. Another strand of the research highlights something of which we have been aware for some time, the fact that alongside an asylum system there is an urgent need for an immigration policy. Since most irregular migrants do not fulfil the requirements of the 1951 Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, they cannot claim refugee status. There has to be a system that addresses their needs in an just way and with a respect for their human rights.'

Based on the results of the research, Jesuit Refugee Service is calling for more humane asylum procedures and the creation of a just immigration policy. 'We need to get rid of the barriers which are forcing people to resort to traffickers' said Lena Barrett, , policy officer with JRS-Europe. 'If we do not, we will have strengthened criminal elements who unscrupulously trade in human cargo; their increasing power must be a concern to all. And even more importantly, if we pride ourselves on human rights, we must guarantee basic rights for people based on their dignity as human beings and regardless of whether their status is regular or irregular. Otherwise our condemnation of human rights violations abroad will ring hollow.'

Copies of the summary booklet Outside the Protection of the Law: The Situation of Irregular Migrants in Europe, Refugee Studies Centre, Oxford, Working Paper No. 6 available on request. References for the three empirical field studies also available. Please contact europe@jesref.org. 

  

Declaration by Fr General about Fr Jacques Dupuis

Rome, 26 Feb 2001 (Jesuit Press and Information Service) -- The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has made public on February 26, 2001, a Notification, signed by the Prefect, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and the Secretary, Archbishop Tarcisius Bertone, regarding a book written by Father Jacques Dupuis, S.J. On this occasion, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus to which Father Dupuis belongs, has sent to the members of the Society the Statement which is annexed here.

STATEMENT OF FATHER PETER-HANS KOLVENBACH
SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS

With the Notification just published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a long and important inquiry has ended. The book of Father Jacques Dupuis, professor emeritus at the Pontifical Gregorian University, which has been justly recognized for the seriousness of its methodological research, the richness of the scientific documentation, and the originality of its exploration, dares to venture into a dogmatically fundamental area for the future of the interreligious dialogue. The Notification itself recognizes the intent and the efforts of Father Jacques Dupuis to remain within the teaching of the Catholic Faith as enunciated by the Magisterium. In line with the orientations of the document Dominus Jesus, the Notification clearly establishes the limits of this teaching to which the author has tried to adhere even if he has not always succeeded. Thus, the Notification helps the reader to interpret the book according to the doctrine of the Church. On this solidly established dogmatic basis we hope that Father Jacques Dupuis can continue his pioneer research in the field of interreligious dialogue which in his recent Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, John Paul II encourages as a challenge for the evangelization in the third millennium.

Rome, February 26, 2001
original language: Italian

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America Magazine Calls for End of Aid to Israel

In a March 5 editorial, "Saying No to Israel," America magazine states, "It is time for the U.S. to stop funding the Israeli war against the Palestinians." America, the national Catholic weekly magazine is published by U.S. Jesuits. "No one can condone terrorist attacks against Israelis," says the editorial. "But neither should we condone or fund the Israeli war on the Palestinians."

The magazine notes that "The helicopter gun ships used to fire on Palestinian civilians and their neighborhoods are part of the arsenal provided Israel by U.S. aid. Merkava tanks were used to shell Palestinian towns, including the Christian centers of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. U.S.-made ammunition also rained down on Palestinian neighborhoods." The editorial goes on to say that "A reasonable place to begin [the cutbacks] would be the suspension of the sale of Apache and Blackhawk helicopters announced last October.

American aid for refugees, water and development would be much more productive in ensuring peace in the Middle East than more guns, according to the magazine.

For the complete text of the editorial, see:
http://www.americamagazine.org/editorials/ed010305.htm 

  

Three Jesuits among 44 new Cardinals

Rome, 21 Feb 2001 -- In today's public ordinary consistory, Pope John Paul will create 44 new cardinals. Among them there are three Jesuits:

  

Vatican Radio: Pope says Jesuits are faithful to the charism of St Ignatius

On the 70th anniversary of the Vatican radio station, John Paul II invites them to take up the challenge of new technologies

Vatican City, February 14th (VID) - With Vatican Radio, entrusted to the Society of Jesus, the Church has become a “pioneer” in the “field of communication by radio”. Today, however, it has to face a technological and editorial challenge. This is the view expressed by John Paul II during the audience granted to the Jesuits and their staff, to mark the 70th anniversary of the radio station. The work of the religious, explained the Pope, is undertaken “in a true spirit of fidelity to the charism of St Ignatius of Loyola”.

Source: Vidimus Dominum

  

Jesuit Pre-Novices put into action for earthquake victims

Anand, Gujarat (India), 10 Feb 2001 -- The Jesuit Pre-Novices of the Province of Gujarat, about 40, are working round the clock to ensure that the relief material is not pilfered, that the help reached the most needy and is distributed without discrimination of communities and cast.
Besides Jesuit students from the Regional Theologate at Ahmedabad were assigned as interpreters to the Israeli Defence Force Medical Team, which had set up its 200 bed mobile hospital in Bhuj. Jesuits from other Provinces render important assistance to the relief work.
In India the Society of Jesus has 20 Provinces with a total of 3.930 Jesuits ( 2.196 Priests, 1.424 Scholastics and 310 Brothers).

  

JRS Europe: special policy group on harmonising legislation on asylum

Brussels, 1 Feb 2001 -- The EU is working on harmonising its legislation on asylum across all States of the EU and has set itself the ambitious goal of finishing by 2004. To respond to this, JRS-Europe has set up a special policy group in order to study emerging EU proposals on asylum and to make recommendations. It will meet about 4 times a year. In addition, JRS-Europe is hoping to get funding for two research assistants who will work in the policy area from September 2001.

More info on the Jesuit Refugee Service

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Jesuits open their houses for eartquake victims

Bombay, 29 Jan 2001 -- There is good news about the Jesuits in Gujerat. None of our houses reports any damage and definitely no casualties.Anand, where the Gujerat Sahitya Prakash Press is located, is somewhat away from the epicentre of the quake and is safe. So are all the Jesuits there. We do not have any Jesuit house in the area where the quake hit hardest, a region called Saurashtra.

The bad news is that the figure of those who have died has reached 20,000 and there may still be a few more under the rubble. Several isolated villages have only just been reached on Sunday and without heavy equipment to dig under the rubble, there is no way of knowing how many are buried there. This will take another few days.

The Jesuits, of course, have thrown open their houses to those who have been rendered homeless and they are now organising relief measures on a war footing. It is somewhat difficult to contact any of them as they are too busy and the phone lines are clogged.

  

New Jesuit Cardinals

Rome, 21 Jan 2001 (SJ Information Service) -- On January 21, 2001, Pope John Paul II announced the names of the new Cardinals who will be officially created in the Consistory to be held on February 22. Among them there are some Jesuits. Here is a brief curriculum vitae for each:

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, S.J. Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Primate of Argentina
Archbishop Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936 in Buenos Aires. He entered the Society on March 11, 1958 and was ordained a priest on December 13, 1969. In addition to other assignments, he was the Provincial in the Province of Argentina from 1973 through 1979 and a participant in General Congregations 32 and 33.

Avery Dulles, S.J. Father Dulles is a member of the Province of New York and is currently the McGinley Professor of Religion and Society at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York
Father Dulles was born on August 24, 1918, in Auburn, New York. He entered the Society on August 14, 1946 and was ordained a priest on June 16, 1956. During his career, Father Dulles has been a Professor of Theology at Woodstock College in Woodstock, Maryland; at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. He is the author of a number of books on Systematic Theology.

Roberto Tucci, S.J. Father Tucci is a member of the Province of Italy
Father Tucci was born in Naples on April 19, 1921. He entered the Society on October 1, 1936 and was ordained a priest on August 24, 1950. In addition to other assignments, he was General Editor of Civiltà Cattolica from 1959 to 1973. Father Tucci was also the General Director of Vatican Radio and for a number of years has been the coordinator for Papal trips. He participated in General Congregations 31, 32, and 33.

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El Salvador: Jesuits Launch Ignatian Aid Network Following the Earthquake

San Salvador (El Salvador), January 19th (VID) – Six days after the earthquake of January 13th, Jesuits have already activated a solidarity network to help alleviate suffering. According to the data of the Central American Province of the Jesuits, 25 thousand houses have been damaged, 7 thousand destroyed, at least 600 deaths which have been certified up until now, 100 schools ruined and 96 churches seriously damaged. The Jesuits have activated an aid project called the "Ignatian Aid Network", with the goal of going in and helping those zones which receive scarce aid from institutions as well as the task of coordinating the aid in order to increase its effectiveness. The students of the Central American University also run by the Jesuits have mobilized to help, and a similar request for help has also been made by the parishes entrusted to Society of Jesus. Father José Adan Cuadra, the Provincial of Central America has opened up a bank account in which to send economic aid. A particular sensitivity has been shown by the European Jesuits, who receive and distribute the requests for assistance through internal channels.

Source: Vidimus Dominum

  

Society of Jesus in Italy Sets Up Internet Portal

Rome (Italy), January 18th (VID) – A new Internet portal of the Society of Jesus in Italy has been set up in order to allow access to the various communities of the Society spread throughout the Italian and Albanian territory. It aimed at making the Society and its activities in Italy more known to the public. The designing and construction of the portal, with the supervision of Father Francesco Tata, the director of the Jesuit structures of Padua was entrusted and completed by Split Internet, a provider in Genoa. The portal is chock full of historical information and news on the activities of the religious but also of useful information about how one becomes a Jesuit.

Gesuiti in Italia: www.gesuiti.it 

    Source: Vidimus Dominum

  

CENTRAL AMERICA - EL SALVADOR

Rome/San Salvador, 14 Jan 2001 -- According to the information received at the General Curia in Rome, on January 14, there are no personal losses among the Jesuits in El Salvador. But the old church in Santa Tecla is practically demolished. The Provincial has called a meeting of Jesuits for January 15 in order to see how they can help the victims of this strong earthquake.

  

EUROPE - Brothels better than the street, Jesuit journal says.

Rome, 12 Jan 2001 -- The journal of the Italian Jesuits, Civiltà Cattolica, has triggered a debate in Italy after calling for state-run brothels as a lesser evil. The journal notes that prostitution has undergone a change for the worse over the past 40 years. The trade is now dominated by immigrant women in "totally degrading conditions" which approach "downright slavery". The average age of Albanian prostitutes is 14 or 15.

While describing prostitution as "degrading and contrary to the dignity of the person", Civiltà Cattolica says the state should admit that prostitution is impossible to eradicate and move it to "places more protected than the street". Greater state control would enable regular medical check-ups, a crackdown on criminal rings controlling prostitution, and "measures in favour of those who want to leave that world", the journal said.

Source: The Tablet, 12 January 2001

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