WALKING WITH THE EXCLUDED
By Zach Martorana, Communications Officer, Jesuit Mission Australia
The 2024 Gratitude Report, recently released by Jesuit Mission Australia, reflects the profound impact of support received from the broader JMA family. Across the globe, our shared human family has faced suffering from ongoing conflicts as well as devastating natural disasters. Yet, in the face of such darkness, your unwavering generosity has illuminated the path forward for our most marginalised brothers and sisters.
Founded in 1951, JMA is the international development organisation of the Australian Jesuits. JMA partners with Jesuit networks overseas to deliver community-led, sustainable programs that cultivate resilience and self-reliance for vulnerable communities, primarily in India and south-east Asia.
In the words of Australian Provincial Fr Quyen Vu SJ, “As generous supporters of our mission, your actions reflect your faith. Thanks to your generosity, my Jesuit brothers and their lay collaborators can empower communities facing extreme injustice to free themselves from poverty and flourish.
“Through my work in Jesuit-run schools in Cambodia and Timor-Leste, I’ve personally seen the transformative power that education can have for children and families who’ve survived conflict and suffering.
“Please accept my sincere thanks for your compassionate commitment to our humanitarian relief and community development work. In 2024, Jesuit Mission reached more than 530,000 people through our global Jesuit network.
“I would also like to thank the Jesuit Mission Board, staff, committee members, and volunteers for their ongoing work this year. As we look ahead, let us draw inspiration from St Ignatius: ‘Take care to serve the poor in every way, for they are the image of Christ’.”
JMA CEO Helen Forde said: “Your extraordinary generosity enabled our Jesuit partners on the frontlines to stand alongside people in great need to offer essential emergency relief and ongoing support. Across the year, it’s been a blessing to see our warm and wonderful community come together to pray, act and respond. I’ve been humbled time and again by your compassion. This year our faithful community raised $7.3 million, which has a profound impact immediately and ongoing. In 2024, you enabled 66 vital projects in 13 countries, helping to uplift vulnerable children, women and men.
“As ever, I extend my most sincere thanks to our dedicated Jesuit project partners overseas who work hand-in-hand with local communities, to create meaningful transformation.
“I’d also like to thank our Board members, staff and volunteers for their commitment and passion; and acknowledge the tireless efforts and boundless enthusiasm of our schools, parishes and committees who ensure the success of events like the Jesuit Mission Bazaar, Maytime Fair, and our One Foot Raised walk for the people of Myanmar.
“Please join me in keeping the displaced and marginalised members of our global family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Read the JMA 2024 Gratitude Report here.
Banner image of Maly courtesy Jesuit Mission Australia. At age seven, her intellectual disability meant she struggled to walk, talk, perform self-care or learn the fundamentals at school. But thanks to JMA’s ‘Enhancing Lives’ program, she now attends attends a mainstream high school, speaks with confidence, has many friends, and participates fully in family and community life.