Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, 1907 - 1991: the British Province Celebrates

The 100th anniversary of the birth of Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, the Jesuit General from 1965 to 1993, was marked by a series of special events in Wimbledon on Saturday.  From drama to films, personal testimonies to Mass in the Jesuit church, the day was organised jointly by Jesuit Missions and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which Fr Arrupe founded in 1980.

Throughout the day, visitors were able to view an exhibition of photos by Isabelle Merminot, in which she had recorded the effects of detention on asylum seekers and refugees.  Films about the life of Fr Arrupe and about refugees were shown during the afternoon, and live music was provided by the Acholi Choir, made up of refugees who have fled from Uganda.  This was followed by emotional personal testimonies by two detainees who had been assisted by JRS-UK.

The British Provincial, Fr Michael Holman SJ, celebrated Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, and delivered a powerful homily on Fr Arrupe, asking what it was about him that made him such an influential and charismatic person.  He concluded that it was a combination of his compassion, his conviction the Jesuits should help form 'men and women for others', and his companionship with Jesus. Follow the link above to read the Provincial's homily in full.

Mass was followed by supper in the parish's newly refurbished upper hall and a dramatic presentation by Actors for Refugees of their 'Asylum Monologues'.  Four actors, accompanied by a guitarist, articulated the authentic words of individuals who had come to the UK seeking asylum.  In presenting the harsh realities they faced, they left the audience physically moved by the performance.

Also launched during the day was the biography of Fr Arrupe by George Bishop, revised and republished by Gracewing.  For more information about this or to buy a copy, call 020 7499 0285 or write to commsofficer@gbsj.org


 Actors for Refugees

 Jesuit Missions