He had an impact not only among Jesuits but in the wider world; Time
magazine featured him on its cover in 1973. Two years later, at a major meeting
of his order, Fr Arrupe set out a new vision for Jesuits world-wide - the
promotion of justice in the world as a central aspect of faith. When five
Jesuits were martyred in three different countries in the ensuing years he
reminded his order that "If we follow Christ, persecution will come… when we try
to serve faith and promote justice".
In the late 1970s, after the fall of Saigon, he was so moved by the plight
of the Vietnamese boat people that he founded the Jesuit Refugee Service, which
now operates in over 50 countries providing education, advocacy, and other forms
of emergency assistance to displaced people.
"Pedro Arrupe is a spiritual master in the line of John the
Baptist….profoundly and passionately committed to Jesus Christ. Like John, he
draws attention away from himself to Christ. He makes John's words his own: 'he
must increase, I must decrease'. Just so, the point…..is not to draw attention
to Pedro Arrupe. Rather it calls us to look where Don Pedro is pointing, to see
the world and the church as he saw them and, in everything, to see Jesus and
hear his call."
Peter Hans-Kolvenbach, SJ
former Superior General of the Society of Jesus
magazine featured him on its cover in 1973. Two years later, at a major meeting
of his order, Fr Arrupe set out a new vision for Jesuits world-wide - the
promotion of justice in the world as a central aspect of faith. When five
Jesuits were martyred in three different countries in the ensuing years he
reminded his order that "If we follow Christ, persecution will come… when we try
to serve faith and promote justice".
In the late 1970s, after the fall of Saigon, he was so moved by the plight
of the Vietnamese boat people that he founded the Jesuit Refugee Service, which
now operates in over 50 countries providing education, advocacy, and other forms
of emergency assistance to displaced people.
"Pedro Arrupe is a spiritual master in the line of John the
Baptist….profoundly and passionately committed to Jesus Christ. Like John, he
draws attention away from himself to Christ. He makes John's words his own: 'he
must increase, I must decrease'. Just so, the point…..is not to draw attention
to Pedro Arrupe. Rather it calls us to look where Don Pedro is pointing, to see
the world and the church as he saw them and, in everything, to see Jesus and
hear his call."
Peter Hans-Kolvenbach, SJ
former Superior General of the Society of Jesus
What's On - Arrupe Exhibition
"Pedro Arrupe was a 'man on fire' who led a life of total consistency, of great love, and of a dedication that knew nothing of conditions and reservations," current Jesuit Superior General Rev. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J., said.
On Sept. 24, an exhibit honoring the legacy of Pedro Arrupe and celebrating the 100 years since his birth was opened in the library of Boston College's Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW).
The exhibit, which will run until Oct. 15, focuses on the continuing struggles of refugees and immigrants, and the Jesuit involvement in their lives. Organized by the Diversity Committee of the GSSW and the Center for Human Rights and International Justice, "Man on Fire" shines new light on the importance of service and gives insight into the meaning of displacement.
Displaced people are defined as those who have been forcibly uprooted from their homes and now face adversity and great challenge.
"The exhibit is meant to communicate that these people [refugees] have powerful stories and a remarkable capacity for healing and recovery," Maryanne Loughry, associate director of Jesuit Refugee Services-Australia, said. "The idea is to not see them as victims, but actual people, individuals, families, and communities, who through our assistance can manage displacement."
Full details at BC Heights
SJU: Pedro Arrupe Center for Business Ethics
Pedro Arrupe’s Mysticism of Open Eyes - Kevin F. Burke, SJ
Posts
Many years ago, Fr. Pedro Arrupe was on a TWA flight, sitting in coach on a full 747. A priest introduced me to him and referred to Fr. Arrupe as the "Black Pope". Our conversation was most pleasant and translanted by the priest traveling with him. At that time, I knew nothing about him but was moved by the warmth, sincerity and air of specail presence that emanated from him.
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