JESUITS GLOBAL

We Cannot Be Silent!

Statement from the Society of Jesus on the Situation in Gaza

"Almost six months of war in Gaza, and the guns have not fallen silent. We, the members of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), like so many other Catholics, Christians, men and women of all faiths and non-believers, refuse to be silent. Our voices continue to be lifted up in prayer, in lament, in protest at the death and destruction that continue to reign in Gaza and other territories in Israel/Palestine, spilling over into the surrounding countries of the Middle East."

Following the horrors of the attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, the massive Israeli bombardments of the Gaza Strip, the ground offensive that has left most of the Gaza Strip in ruins, we are now witness to famine and the spread of disease in Gaza. Tens of thousands have died, almost 1,800 Israelis, over 32,000 Palestinians (not including those still to be unearthed from under the rubble). In addition to the lives snuffed out, there are hundreds of thousands of lives ruined, those who are wounded, homeless, and now hungry and smitten by disease.

We, Jesuits, reiterate our commitment not to remain silent. It is unacceptable that, despite attempts, almost six months into the present round of conflict, no one has been able to stop the killing. It is scandalous that no one has been able to ensure that the residents of Gaza have enough to eat. It is shameful that no one has been able to call the warmongers to account. Sadly, we remember that an ongoing conflict in the land called to be holy has been allowed to continue and fester as an open wound on the face of the Middle East.

Engaged for decades in the communities and societies of the Middle East, we, as Jesuits, want to say that it need not be this way. The choice of death over life, vengeance over reconciliation, wrongdoing over justice, self-interest over relationship, violence over dialogue is a choice and not fated destiny. There are other choices that could be made. We will continue to foster a dream of a different future, a future already foreseen by the prophets in the Holy Scriptures. “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

We join our voice to that of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who has repeatedly warned: “War is a defeat! Every war is a defeat” (Angelus, 8 October 2023). We repeat our call for an immediate ceasefire, for the release of all the 7 October hostages, for negotiations and for the beginning of a process that will bring freedom, liberty and justice for all in the Middle East, the only road to true peace.

Click here to read the statement on the Jesuits website.

IGNATIAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION INITIATIVE

A Conversation Among Spiritual Directors of Color

May 11, 2024, 10:00am-1:00pm ET

This spring we are hosting a special online conversation. This gathering will provide a unique opportunity for those of us who identify as Spiritual Directors of Color to share about our lived experience of offering spiritual direction.

Click here for more information and to register. Registration is limited to those who identify as Spiritual Directors of Color.

OFFICE OF JUSTICE AND ECOLOGY

IGNATIAN SOLIDARITY NETWORK

Ecological Examen

This Ecological Examen asks you to reflect on your personal relationship with creation, to acknowledge and amend your ways and to promote ecological justice by standing in solidarity with those most impacted by environmental harm.

Pray the examen.

GLOBAL IGNATIAN ADVOCACY NETWORK

Ecojesuit

Ecology and Jesuits in Communication or Ecojesuit online is a twice-monthly web-based newsletter of the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network (GIAN)-Ecology. Jesuits and their partners throughout the world are invited to understand and share in the critical work of reconciliation and responding to ecological concerns (GC35 Decree 3, GC 36).

Read more on Ecojesuit.com.

CATHOLIC CLIMATE COVENANT

2024 Earth Day Program

The 2024 Earth Day program focuses on the growing problem of plastic pollution and complements the secular Earth Day theme of “Planet vs. Plastics”. The one-hour program will help your community learn about how plastic production, consumption, and disposal are impacting human and planetary health, and give you strategies for personal, community, and systemic actions.

Read more at Catholic Climate Covenant.

DICASTERY FOR PROMOTING INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Laudato Si´ Action Platform

Take concrete actions in the care of our common home. The Laudato Si´ Action Platform offers the Church tools and resources for the journey towards total sustainability in the spirit of integral ecology.

Read more and enroll.

THE LAUDATO SI' MOVEMENT

Laudato Si´ Animators Program 2024

The Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat invites all companions to take advantage of this free online course on integral ecology promoted by the Laudato Si’ Movement. Starting in April, the course will be held in various languages. It consists of 4 sessions, once a week, one hour and a half each, with an evaluation at the end of each session and a project to complete the course and obtain the certificate. Find out more!

OFFICE OF IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY

Examen Live for the Season of Creation

Cecilia Calvo and Brenna Davis offer the Ecological Examen that asks us to reflect on our personal relationship with creation. Watch and pray now.

IGNATIUS HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT CENTER | GA

The Adventure Deepens

Weekend Workshop for Spiritual Directors on the Exercises

April 25-28, 2024

Spiritual directors are invited to a 3-night workshop led by Fr. Kevin O’Brien, SJ, spiritual director and author of The Ignatian Adventure as we delve into the art of directing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. 

Click here for more information and to register.

IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY PROJECT | IL

Company of Grace: The Power of Sacred Stories

April 25, 2024

Join the Ignatian Spirituality Project and guest speaker David Brooks as they wrap up their 25th anniversary jubilee with a night to remember! This year’s event is hybrid and will be streamed live at 7:00pm Central.

Click here for in person or virtual tickets.

LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER | MORRISTOWN, NJ

Transforming Painful Emotions

May 10-12, 2024

From time to time, we all suffer from anger, shame, grief, fear, and loneliness. These emotions can lead us to negative behaviors with ourselves and others. We can also transform these emotions into a positive lifestyle. During this weekend retreat led by Judy Schiavo, we will examine these emotions and make them a conduit to deepen our relationship with God.

Click here for more information and to register.

BOSTON COLLEGE | MA

Summer at Clough School of Theology and Ministry

Each summer, Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry offers a range of summer courses and programs aimed at ministerial development. Offerings include:

• Intensive on the 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercises for Spiritual Directors
• Post-Master's Certificate in Spiritual Formation
• Courage to Preach, a new certificate on the intersection of faith and justice for ministers working with young adults

Click here for more information.

POPE'S WORLDWIDE PRAYER NETWORK

Pope Francis' Prayer Intention for April 2024

This month, Pope Francis asks us to join him in praying for the role or women. Let us pray "that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different part of the world."

Click here to pray.