Author: John Byrd

U.S. Jesuits Launch American Jesuits International

Posted on by John Byrd

On behalf of Magis Americas’ Board of Members, Board of Directors, Staff, and generous supporters, please join us in celebrating a new chapter of international solidarity. 

Magis Americas has announced that it has rebranded as American Jesuits International. 

This long anticipated announcement follows many months of planning and hard work from so many members of our Magis Americas community. Just last week we shared the news that we are merging with Jesuit Missions, Inc. (JMI) to create a single international solidarity organization in the U.S. to support Jesuit education and development initiatives across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Our new name, American Jesuits International, reflects that core identity and reaffirms our essential mission.  

“The formation of American Jesuits International is a historic moment in the history of the Society of Jesus in the United States,” said Father Brian G. Paulson, S.J., president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. “Built on the legacy and tradition of many other Jesuit development organizations and mission offices, American Jesuits International will strengthen our Conference’s contributions to the Society’s global mission of reconciliation.” 

As American Jesuits International, we will continue to channel resources and provide tools for Jesuit organizations and networks we have been working with for years. This includes networks like Fe y Alegría and Comparte, as well as local projects such as Loyola Jesuit Secondary School (Malawi) and the Network of Loyola Centers (Cuba). Moving forward, we will continue fostering solidarity in support of projects from four key areas: education, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and humanitarian assistance and recovery. 

“This new chapter is an exciting opportunity for our organization to strengthen our capacities and expand our ability to support initiatives that uplift the inherent human dignity of every person,” said Nate Radomski, executive director of American Jesuits International and former executive director of Magis Americas. “We are confident that American Jesuits International will effectively mobilize individuals and organizations across the United States in support of the tremendous work being done by Jesuit organizations abroad to ensure dignity, protect human rights, and care for creation.”

As was the case for Magis Americas, American Jesuits International will continue to be a joint endeavor of the two Jesuit Conferences in the Americas—the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States (JCCU) and the Conferencia de Provinciales en América Latina y el Caribe (CPAL). This collaboration underscores both conference’s dedication to fostering solidarity across borders in the Americas and advancing the Jesuit mission of promoting a more just and humane world for all. We are immensely grateful for their continued support of the Jesuits throughout the Americas and will continue to respond to the needs and requests of the Jesuits and our partners. 

Once again, we want to thank you for your continued support and confidence as we start this new chapter. We would never have been able to grow without your help and encouragement. Whether you have donated once, joined us for a webinar, or simply follow along with our work, you are part of the community of support that makes our work possible. Thank you! The launch of American Jesuits International is a testament to the impact that you have as supporters of Jesuit projects and initiatives abroad. We look forward to continuing this essential work with you in the coming weeks, months, and years. 

Learn more by visiting our new website (AmericanJesuitsInternational.org) to read about our work supporting Jesuit education and development initiatives in places like Cuba, Malawi, and India.

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American Jesuits International is the international solidarity organization of the Society of Jesus in the United States. Inspired by Ignatian spirituality, we support Jesuit education and development initiatives in marginalized communities to build just and equitable societies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Learn more at AmericanJesuitsInternational.org

We are merging with Jesuit Missions, Inc.

Posted on by John Byrd

We are thrilled to announce that that Magis Americas is merging with Jesuit Missions Inc to consolidate our work and identity as the international solidarity organization of the Society of Jesus in the United States. We have been working diligently for moths to make this next chapter a reality and we are excited to share this important announcement with you all. The merging of these two organizations marks the first time the U.S. Jesuit Provinces share a single organization to support Jesuit education and development initiatives throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

 

What is Jesuit Mission Inc and why are we merging?

Originally founded in New York, Jesuit Missions, Inc. was a 501(c)(3) organization that offered financial support and grants to the international works of the Jesuits. Since 2021, Magis Americas has taken on much of the work of Jesuit Missions Inc., including processing donations and maintaining relationships with U.S. donors and international Jesuit ministries. 

In April 2023, conversations began regarding the best approach to position the U.S. Jesuits’ international solidarity efforts for future growth. One of the key conclusions of these conversations was a proposal for Jesuit Mission Inc. to merge into Magis Americas. For the U.S. Jesuit Provinces, this would mark the first time they shared a single international solidarity organization. 

Last fall, the JMI Board of Directors–which was composed of the U.S. Provincials of the Society of Jesus–and MA’s governing bodies voted in favor of the proposed merger of our two organizations. Since then, we have been working diligently with the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States to lay the groundwork for this momentous update. 

 

What does this mean for Magis Americas?

As we have mentioned, this is a historic moment for our organization and for the U.S. Jesuits. This merger formalizes our role as the single international solidarity organization of the Jesuits in the United States. In that role, we will continue to expand our work fostering connections and mobilizing resources for Jesuit education and development initiatives in marginalized communities across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. 

As part of this process, and to better reflect this reaffirmed identity as the international solidarity organization of the U.S. Jesuits, Magis Americas will be rebranding next week! We are excited to announce our new name, updated mission and vision statements, and so much more on July 1st. 

We want to emphasize that both our merger with Jesuit Missions Inc. and our imminent rebranding do not in any way alter our commitment to our partners in the Global South or to our supporters and donors in the United States. These changes reaffirm our mission and strengthen our capacity to pursue our vision of a world in which all people have their rights upheld, their dignity protected and the capacity to act as protagonists in their individual and communal development.

Emergency Response: Earthquake in Andahuaylillas, Peru

Posted on by John Byrd

4.4 magnitude earthquake in Andahuaylillas, Peru leave rural community in need of support.

In the morning hours of Tuesday, April 30th, a magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the district of Andahuaylillas, located in the province of Quispicanchi, Cusco. This initial quake caused significant damage to buildings in the area and an estimated 50+ aftershocks in the following days have further complicated the situation. 

While no casualties are reported, news sources in Peru indicate that the quakes have caused significant material damages in the area including Church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’, which was built by the Jesuits from 1570 to 1606.  As of May 8th, the Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency in the Quispicanchi Province, due to the series of earthquakes that have affected the localities of Andahuaylillas, Huaro, Lucre and Urcos. This measure will have a duration of 60 days and, importantly, has closed schools in the area. 

 

Situation on the ground:

Through Fe y Alegria International (FIFyA) and our partners at Fe y Alegría Perú, we have learned that the Colegio San Ignacio – Fe y Alegría N* 44 in Andahuaylillas has suffered extensive structural damage. The INDECI (National Institute of Civil Defense), responsible for risk and disaster management, has officially declared the school unfit for use due to the potential danger it poses to students until necessary repairs are completed. As a result, more than 840 students will have to return to remote learning even if the state of emergency is lifted. 

At the same time, many homes in the area have been damaged. Fe y Alegría Perú has indicated that 102 families in the area are in need of tents for temporary shelter. While the local government is responding to immediate needs, the school community has reached out for assistance from the international community. 

 

What Can You Do?

Magis Americas is seeking immediate donations so that we may provide support to the Fe y Alegría community in their time of need. Your donation can provide vital relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the earthquake. Partnering with Fe y Alegría Perú, your support will directly address the needs of the community and hasten the return to in-person school for the children.

Visit our donation page to contribute towards rebuilding lives and restoring hope for the affected families and students in Peru. Your generosity will make a tangible difference in their journey towards recovery.

Donate here! Peru Emergency 2024