Eco-Bites Jan 19

Eco-Bites | January 2019

50 years a'growing

Brussels, Jan. 18

The Justice and Ecology Secretariat of the Society of Jesus was founded 50 years ago by Pedro Arrupe. Many initiatives in relation to social justice had been taken in the previous decades but now it was becoming a central concern of the Society.

Full Editorial
Edmond Grace SJ
Secretary for Justice and Ecology

Celebrating the 50th anniversary

The Cross in the middle of the red circle in this logo reflects the faith that is at the heart of our journey of Justice (J) and Reconciliation (R) over the last 50 years. The uneven line below J & R symbolises our journey. The red around the Cross reflects the sacrifice and suffering resulting from our choice, while J & R in green shows the importance of promoting life, renewal and energy.

Jesuits, justice and ecology

The Jesuit Secretariat on Justice changed its name in 2010 by adding two vital words - and Ecology - to its title. Two years previously the Thirty-Fifth General Congregation of the Society of Jesus spoke of "reconciliation". With God ... with one another ... and with the Earth.

Big business at Katowice

Who would have thought two years ago that two of the worlds biggest countries - USA and Brazil - would be lead by climate change deniers? And who would have predicted that two major multinationals - IKEA and MAERSK - would outdo many governments in their commitment to climate action at COP24?

2019, the Amazon synod

Pope Francis has chosen 2019 to hold a Synod on the Amazon. The subject is without precedent. It's not about creation or water or even rivers. It's about the Amazon. It is certainly not an internal church matter, but it is a matter of universal concern. The Synod has been launched, and this will be the year.

Living Laudato Si'

Francophone Jesuits have been doing a lot of work in making Laudato Si' a reality in their own lives. They have come with a series of twenty Eco Jesuit cards including one on how to run a community meeting for Jesuits on how to live the values of Laudato Si'.

The Baptism of Jesus

Last Sunday was the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. To be baptised means to be plunged into a new reality. It is always something of a shock leaves us changed. The challenge of ecology is a baptism.

Eco-bites is a monthly online newsletter of the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC) on integral ecology.