Father General’s message

“This year, we mark the 45^th anniversary of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

It is a grace marked not only in years, but in faith, compassion, steadfast accompaniment, and, above all, in hope.

Founded in 1980 by the then Superior General and Servant of God Pedro Arrupe SJ to provide a human, pedagogical and spiritual response to the plight of refugees at that time, JRS has become an apostolate of great importance and of much spiritual benefit also to the Society of Jesus.

Arrupe’s vision – that “being with” refugees and other forcibly displaced people is fundamental while “doing for” them – continues to inspire JRS to this day. Its mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and displaced persons is rooted in deep faith in God’s presence throughout human history, even in its most difficult and tragic moments. From this faith springs our hope.

The need that JRS was born to address has not gone away. From South Sudan to Ukraine, from Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of Congo to Afghanistan, conflict, violence, and natural disasters continue to uproot communities on a devastating scale. Over the past decade, the number of forcibly displaced and stateless people worldwide has more than doubled, and it is expected to reach nearly 140 million people this year.

Recent US government cuts to international aid have served to further compound this situation, with devastating consequences for some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Yet even here, hope endures: in the resilience of displaced people and in the compassionate presence of companions, sustained by God’s promise never to abandon His people. It is especially at challenging times that we are reminded of our shared humanity – a humanity that binds us together beyond borders and differences, calling us to stand in solidarity with those who suffer.

I know that JRS has felt the effects of the funding cuts across many of its programmes. I am grateful for the support received from friends and partners around the world that has enabled JRS to uphold its commitment to displaced people. My gratitude goes out to the many partners in mission: Jesuit communities and institutions, religious congregations, institutional partners and all JRS supporters.

I also wish to thank the over 11,000 JRS companions – staff, volunteers, Jesuits, and other men and women from religious congregations – who journey with refugees every day. Your service is a living testimony of God’s love and faithfulness among the displaced.

Our raison d’être, source of inspiration and creative energy are the millions of vulnerable people who have been forced to flee their home. My prayers are with them, that they may be sustained in dignity and courage.

In a world that is turning away, the Society of Jesus continues its mission through JRS to walk alongside forcibly displaced people, and this dedication only deepens with time. Trusting in God who is always faithful, we hold to the hope that together, with faith and commitment, we may contribute to building a world rooted in justice, reconciliation, and peace.”