In the context of the meeting of the Major Superiors of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA), we continue our series of articles on the Province of Kerala, the host of the JCSA meeting. Today, the presentation of an institution and its dedicated publication at the service of the central mission of the Society of Jesus.

In the dynamic landscape of contemporary challenges, fostering peace and reconciliation stands as a paramount mission for the Society of Jesus. Responding to the call of General Congregations 35 and 36, which advocate for building bridges and fostering peace, the Society has positioned itself as a key player in promoting peace, particularly in the troubled region of South Asia, as emphasized by Fr General, Arturo Sosa.

Taking a step further, the Provincials of the Jesuit Conference of South Asia (JCSA) declared Peace and Reconciliation as the foremost priority after meetings in Candy (2018) and Ranchi (2019). As a result, the Loyola Institute of Peace and International Relations (LIPI), Kochi, in collaboration with the Indian Social Institute (ISI), Delhi, emerged as the Nodal Platform for Peace and Reconciliation. This platform evolved into the Peace and Reconciliation Network of JCSA.

Enter Pax Lumina, a ground-breaking initiative launched in 2020 by LIPI on behalf of the Peace and Reconciliation Network. This bimonthly English e-magazine (www.paxlumina.com) boasts a global readership and serves as a nexus for scholars, activists, and cultural leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue. The magazine’s curated topics, such as Justice for Migrants, The Plight of Manual Scavengers, and Global Food Crisis and Food Justice, reflect a commitment to bringing vital concerns to the forefront of public discourse.

In a world marred by the chaos of irresponsible social media in a post-truth era, Pax Lumina steps up to counteract the disinformation campaign that fuels communal tensions, religious persecution, and the discrediting of human rights activists. It champions a proactive engagement strategy, offering an ethical orientation and value clarification to combat fake news and conspiracy theories.

In the area of theology, Pax Lumina emerges as a beacon of “Public Theology”, injecting theological significance into contemporary discussions. Recognizing the Catholic Church’s reluctance to engage in adult-level conversations on public issues, Pax Lumina draws inspiration from the four Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, addressing spiritual enhancement, walking with the excluded, accompanying the youth, and caring for the common home.

Unlike Christian theology confined to the Church community, Pax Lumina takes a bold step by engaging in conversations with the multi-religious and secular fabric of South Asian society. Its articles, rooted in experience and action, provide a South Asian response to the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society, making theology relevant beyond the Christian faithful.

Beyond its publication, LIPI actively contributes to peace-building activities. Noteworthy is the Certificate Program in Peace Studies, a joint venture with XLRI-Jamshedpur (Xavier School of Management), attracting professionals, researchers, teachers, lawyers, and graduates. Pax Lumina expands the horizons of these activities, aiming to reach beyond geographical boundaries.

Envisioning Peace and Reconciliation as an overarching concern for all South Asian ministries, the Network collaborates with similar organizations and actively participates in the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) Task Force on Peace and Reconciliation.

In a world hungry for harmony and understanding, Pax Lumina stands as a testament to the power of dialogue, enlightenment, and collective efforts in building a more peaceful and reconciled South Asia.