Fr Pedro Arrupe saw refugees on boats, risking their lives, crossing dangerous waters in small, unstable vessels – his brothers and sisters who had no choice but to flee. His heart was moved by these “boat people” fleeing from war in Vietnam and he felt compelled to respond. Fr. Arrupe, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), called on his Jesuit brothers around the world to respond to all refugees and forcibly displaced people. This was the start of Jesuit Refugee Service in 1980.
Since 1980, JRS has been accompanying, serving, and advocating for refugees and displaced people. It has been a road filled with shared sorrow and pain, but also reconciliation and joy.
Unfortunately, the journey is not over after 40 years. In fact, the needs continue to grow, with more than 82 million people forcibly displaced in this world.
“Home is where we all begin, and what we want all people to find”
