From 27 to 29 May 2025, representatives of the Jesuit Social Apostolate from across the Southern Africa Province gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for a time of reflection, sharing, and discernment. Delegates from Silveira House (Zimbabwe), the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection – JCTR (Zambia), the Jesuit Centre for Ecology and Development – JECD (Malawi), the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre – KATC (Zambia), the Jesuit Institute South Africa – JISA, and the Province Child Protection Office came together not merely to report on their activities, but to listen—deeply and prayerfully—to the Spirit and to one another.
This gathering was part of the Jesuits’ enduring commitment to “the service of faith and the promotion of justice,” a core dimension of the Society of Jesus’ mission since General Congregation 32 in 1975. Today, this mission continues to take shape in the complex social, political, and environmental realities of Southern Africa.
A Tapestry of Apostolic Work
Each apostolate represented brought a unique and contextually rooted contribution to the table:
- Silveira House, with its long-standing work in civic education, peacebuilding, and community development in Zimbabwe;
- JCTR, a prophetic voice for social and economic justice in Zambia;
- JECD, embodying the call of Laudato Si’ by integrating ecology and development in Malawi;
- KATC, fostering sustainable farming and ecological awareness in rural Zambia;
- JISA, engaging the Church and society through intellectual formation, public theology, and social analysis in South Africa;
- And the Child Protection Office, serving the Province by safeguarding the dignity of children and vulnerable persons.
While each center addresses diverse realities, all are animated by a shared Ignatian spirit: a faith that does justice, seeks reconciliation, and finds God in all things.
Naming the Gaps, Strengthening the Body
As the group shared their work and challenges, a common theme emerged: the need for greater integration and collaboration. Participants reflected that while the apostolates are active and impactful in their respective contexts, opportunities are being missed to learn from one another, align strategically, and act together on cross-cutting issues such as environmental justice, economic inequality, migration, and child protection.
In true Ignatian fashion, this was not seen as a failure but as a moment for discernment and growth—a call to deepen our unity as a Province-wide body. Time was given for reflection, spiritual conversation, and communal listening to identify concrete steps toward stronger provincial coordination and shared advocacy.
Called to Walk Together
This gathering was a reminder that the Social Apostolate is not a collection of isolated projects but a shared mission of reconciliation and justice, carried out in diverse yet interconnected ways. It is a mission that requires hearts open to collaboration, minds attuned to critical analysis, and spirits grounded in the Gospel.
As one participant noted, “We are not just working for the poor—we are called to work with the poor, and to let their hopes and struggles guide our mission.”
The work ahead will require deeper collaboration, stronger communication, and ongoing discernment. But the Spirit is already at work—within our apostolates, among the people we serve, and in the spaces between us where new connections are waiting to be made.
Conclusion: Hope Rooted in Mission
As the Southern Africa Province continues to walk this path, the May gathering in Harare stands as a hopeful sign: that we are listening, learning, and moving together in mission. The seeds planted in these few days of prayer, dialogue, and encounter are already bearing fruit—not only in strategies, but in renewed commitment to the Jesuit way of proceeding: grounded in faith, oriented toward justice, and always open to the Magis.
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