40 years of accompaniment

The Jesuit Refugee Service was founded by Fr Pedro Arrupe SJ, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus, on 14 November 1980. 40 years later, JRS continues to promote his ministry of “being with rather than doing for” our refugee sisters and brothers throughout the world.

 

40 years of accompaniment

Meet our partners and companions

Read the stories of the people we have walked with over the years and whose lives are a testimony of our service. Over the course of this year long series, you’ll meet refugees we have accompanied who found ways to heal, learn, and chart their futures. Others are men and women religious who answered the call to mission and service with JRS with great dedication and generosity. You’ll hear lay volunteers and staff reflect on their work as they stand with refugees in some of the 56 countries where we serve. A few loyal benefactors will also share their journeys and their passion for our work.

We try to place special emphasis on being with and doing with, rather than doing for. We want our presence among refugees to be one of sharing with them, of accompaniment, of walking together along the same path.
Fr Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, Superior General of the Society of Jesus (1983-2008)