Our lives are a reflection of the choices we make – influenced by those who have graced our journey. Pedro Arrupe’s call, to reach out as Jesuits to those on the margins, inspired me to join Santiago and Noel in the frontier Afghan mission, in 2006. We came to serve the people of Afghanistan with love – where almost every family was scarred by decades of violent conflict and multiple displacement - one of the worst places in the world to be a child. We came, drawn by the dream of working with the people to rebuild their devastated country. We came with the firm belief that education is the best gift that we, as Jesuits, had to offer a child.  

 

I feel a deep sense of gratitude, looking back over our shared journey. Through the years, it is our Jesuit-JCSA-JRS-JWL partnership that has driven, provided impetus, and given direction, vibrancy and sustainability to all our interventions. Our initiatives, working with government and vulnerable communities, like leaven in the dough, have helped bring a better quality of life and greater self-reliance, with our alumnae/i now coming forward to take on the leadership.

 

Our JRS team has faced many crises and seeming dead ends, bringing us to a deep realization of God’s guiding presence. Recalling Prem’s abduction, our most tragic setback, I thank the Lord for the miracle of his safe return and for our bonding through the pain – as companions, co-workers, communities, families and friends the world over - ever more strongly in prayer, solidarity, and commitment to keep the people we serve at the heart of our mission. The loyal dedication of our JRS family, during those dark times, remains truly inspiring, specially the witness of those who put their lives on the line, working 24x7, to get Prem back safe.

 

Living with companions in shared mission – walking close to the people, teaching children and youth; listening to their stories of violence and resilience; understanding their fears and giving wings to their dreams for a new dawn - has made my journey along the road less traveled fulfilling and a treasured grace. I have received much more than I have given. Each of our hundred and more companions has contributed uniquely in his/her own very special way. Each brought the vibrant colour of his/her personal mite – so we could paint, together, a rainbow of promise for brighter tomorrows, against the dark and clouded skies.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis that affects all, but hits the most vulnerable, the hardest. Amidst this darkness, our JRS teams and local partners have stepped forward, joining hands to share the little they have with the other in great need. They believe that we can come through this when we work to mobilize our resources together, in solidarity, across the boundaries and divisions of our making. This, for me, is truly reason to celebrate our shared dream, as we join with our brothers and sisters during this holy season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, to seek the Almighty’s blessings for our onward journey, during these critical and challenging times.

Stan Fernandes SJ

JRS AFG Country Director