AFRICA/NIGERIA - World economic crisis taking its toll on Jesuit activity: “We will have to tighten our belts, living in simplicity and in solidarity with the works and houses that are having the most difficulties in making ends meet.”

Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – The world economic crisis is also taking its toll on the Society of Jesus. With this in mind, Fr. George W. Quickley, Provincial Superior of the North-West African Province, has written a letter to his brothers upon the recent celebration of Christmas. According to information released to Agenzia Fides from the Jesuit Press Office, after recalling concrete events and the losses amounted in recent years, the Provincial is inviting the brothers “to diminish costs as much as possible. We will have to tighten our belts, living in simplicity and in solidarity with the works and houses that are having the most difficulties in making ends meet.”
He continues by inviting every member of the community to have “a greater spirit of sharing,” returning to what is contained in the Statutes on Poverty in no. 33: “Our lifestyle, in all that refers to food, dress, housing, recreation, vacations, trips, work tools, and other affairs, should all be in conformity with that of disciples of a poor Christ: simple, hospitable, open, and should not surpass what is used by men of modest living conditions.” After recalling the poverty of Christ's birth, which “was certainly no picnic for Mary and Joseph, but rather, an arduous trial or maybe even a 'nightmare,'” he concludes saying: “As we being this new year, we are presented with difficult days up ahead for our Province. The next few months will probably seem like a nightmare to some of us. However, our vocation as Jesuits is a call to hope. May we never lose hope, even amidst the most difficult crisis.” (SL) (Agenzia Fides 13/1/2009)