Jesuit Missions launches Companions in Action

Pupils at St Mary’s Hall

Companions in Action is Jesuit Missions new initiative which links Jesuit schools in the UK with those in the global South. This new partnership seeks to create a working relationship in which young people can share their common humanity, develop their Ignatian identity and work to create a better world where the dignity of each individual is cherished.

Richard Greenwood, Outreach and Communications Manager at Jesuit Missions, says “We want to promote Jesuit Education and enable pupils to take action for social justice both at home and overseas. Our Jesuit schools have been engaged in international partnerships for a number of years but taking action together will be at the heart of this new-look programme.”

Inspired by Pope Francis’ teachings in Laudato Si’, Jesuit Missions [5]’ Companions in Action will encourage students to adopt a positive lifestyle and a shared responsibility to care for our common home, working together with their overseas partners.

Each school has been provided with a pack of resources including materials with ideas on how to take action against climate injustices as well as how best to develop the partnership and various activity ideas. These are also available to download [6].

Lynn McWilliams, Outreach Coordinator says “Young people around the world are eager to make a difference, eager to be agents of change and eager to use their skills and talents for the greater glory of God. Companions in Action provides an exciting opportunity for pupils in the UK to work together with their counterparts in in the Global South to be those agents of change, to promote care of our common home and to speak out for the dignity of all.”

Today is the Feast of St Francis Xavier. One of the founding members of the Society of Jesus and companion of St Ignatius, St Francis Xavier devoted most of his life to mission work in India and South East Asia. Companions in Action is being launched today to mark this new type of global companionship.

Find out more about Companions in Action [7].

This article was first published on Jesuit Missions website [8].