We see the gap between rich and poor widen across the world and we hear weekly reports of hundreds perishing as they try to reach a new home. Political leaders have kindled hatred and erected walls between rich and poor, young and old, those at home and those who have to migrate. The reality of children who have been abused, physically or sexually, is also painfully and personally present to us.
– From https://jesuits.global/en/uap/walking-with-the-excluded
This preference challenges all of us to open our hearts and minds to our fellow humans in the creation of more welcoming communities. How can we accompany the poor, the migrant, the refugee, the abused in their journey? What will we do when we encounter suffering in our world?
Start on the Curia's website to gain a better understanding of the Gospel background for this preference and the steps the Society of Jesus suggests to “take action.”
A Jesuit organization doing amazing work every day, working withe refugees across the world, is the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). This organization is at work in many countries providing resources and education for refugee populations. There are regional branches of JRS, including JRSUSA.org, that offer more accessible education about the refugee crisis, stories from refugees themselves, tools for getting involved, and ways to donate to the mission. Explore their Take Action page to see how you might get involved. One way our ASN student chapters have gotten involved is to host Walk a Mile in My Shoes refugee simulation events. These events raise awareness in the community about the plight of refugees and the global challenge we face in caring for this vulnerable population.
Jesuit leaders have been vocal about their support for migrant populations and in calling for others to join the call. Watch this video from the Jesuit Provincials of the U.S. and Canada Conference.
The Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) is another Ignatian partner working constantly for social justice for the immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and abroad. Join one of their campaigns and take a stand for hospitality and for the migrant communities around us. Learn about advocacy or use their step-by-step tools to raise your voice with elected officials, in solidarity with the Ignatian community.
One of the ways Alpha Sigma Nu is working to inspire our student members to walk with the excluded is by offering Seelos Grants to fund attendance at the Ignatian Justice Summit and the Ignatian Family Teach-In, both events hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network that bring together students, as well as others in the Ignatian family, to learn, network, be inspired, and to take action!