Inspired by the Gospel

Our mission of international solidarity, especially with the poor and of engagement with peoples of other cultures is inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ whose mission we share. His life of faith, love and service, prophetic solidarity with the poor, openness and generosity, healing and hope, and final suffering, death and resurrection are the source of the life we seek to share with others.

The Mission of the Society of Jesus

Our mission is one which we share with the whole church, proclaiming the good news of salvation "this great gift of God which is liberation from everything that oppresses". We work with and through the international Society of Jesus whose mission is "the service of faith and the promotion in society of that justice of the Gospel that is the embodiment of God's love and saving mercy".

Dialogue with Culture & Religion

The nature of our engagement in mission with peoples of other cultures rests on four pillars of faith, justice, culture and dialogue. This concern for the full human development of people in dialogue with cultures and religions was expressed clearly by the 34th General Congregation of the Jesuits.

Concrete Help

Jesuit Mission solidarity with the poor begins with concrete help for the work of Jesuits in the developing world and indigenous Australians. The original mission of the Australian & New Zealand Jesuits in Hazaribag stands out as an example of what can be acheived. As that Province became more established, Jesuit Mission extended its areas of interest and support to programs of the Society of Jesus in other countries. Whilst maintaining our commitment to the wonderful work being done in India we now look also to our near neighbours in East Asia and Oceania and to other areas of special need.

Human Dignity

Our work includes a concern for human dignity drawing upon the prophetic perspective of the Gospel. We believe in the power of the Church to bring about change for good and so we also invest in the future through education and formation for women and youth, lay leaders and young Jesuits. Our investment is by no means restricted to members of the Church for we believe in the power of God to build communities of faith, hope and love in all the rich variety of human communities.

We also learn & grow

The work of Jesuit Mission in Australia and New Zealand includes educational and promotional work in parishes, schools and other communities. Through the sharing of pictures, stories and information, and through the exchange of visits Jesuit Mission friends come to know people in the developing world and the issues that affect them. From the outset financial support has been an important practical way that friends help the Society of Jesus to establish an enduring presence in areas of great need. In this way, and through spiritual and human solidarity, all can share in the mission and build bridges across religious, cultural and social divides.

Criteria & Priorities

The general criteria by which Jesuit Mission chooses its priorities are outlined in the Constitutions (graphic: seal of the Society of Jesus) written by Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. (graphic of Ignatius) Ignatius gives priority to situations of great need, to places where a more universal good may be achieved, and to needs that others are not attending to. We keep always in mind the guiding principle of Ignatius life, "in all things, to love and to serve".

The priorities of Jesuit Mission friends informed by the priorities of the local and international Society of Jesus and the wider Church together with the priorities of the partners we seek to support all contribute to choices for the implementation of our mission.

Expressing our faith

With the example of Christ as our reference and guide our work is a concrete expression of our faith. Reaching out to our brothers and sisters in the human family we find a meaningful way of contributing to a better world. We also find that our brothers and sisters, reaching out to us, strengthen our faith, enrich our lives and help us to discover anew the values of the Gospel.