Today is the celebration of the founder of Jesuit Refugee Service Fr. Pedro Arrupe in 1980. During that period of time, he had seen the agony of people who were fleeing their countries in Asia. These people were famously referred to as the boat people. In his speech, he implored members of the Society of Jesus - Jesuits, to try and offer some service to the refugees. He writes in one of his letters: ....Struck and shocked by the plight of thousands of boat people and refugees,......I asked what they in their countries and the Universal Society could do to bring at least some relief to such tragic situation... (Pedro Arrupes letter, Society of Jesus and the Refugee Problem, 14th November, 1980). This was the birth of JRS. Today, we thank the Lord for what he has accomplished in us his servants as we accompany, serve and advocate for the forcibly displaced persons around the world. We pray for the refugees who continue to struggle with life in exile, that even in the worst of situations, the Lord is always with them. We pray for the many men and women who offer themselves for the service of mankind, that they may not tire in showing love, hope, and compassion to the refugees. We invite all our friends wherever they are, to take a moment and pray for those who face hardships in life, that they may find solace in God our heavenly Father- who in his unending mercies, watches over us every day of our lives.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:25:13 +0000
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