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Social Justice Symposium at Brebeuf

Father Jack Costello SJ, Director of the Jesuit Refugee and Migrant Service, was the keynote speaker at Brebeuf College School’s annual Social Justice Symposium recently at the University of St. Michael’s College in Toronto.

Over 200 students and teachers from twenty Catholic high schools across the Archdiocese gathered at the University to hear Jack and others speak on the theme of “Welcoming the Stranger: Refugees in Canada”. The purpose of this student-organized event is to educate students on issues of social justice and to inspire them to develop a “faith that does justice” and to become “men and women for others”.

Father Costello, who is also Chaplain of Toronto’s Romero House for refugees, spoke about the reasons people become refugees and the challenges of forced migration and some of the ways that Canada assists them. He encouraged the students to see refugees as people like themselves and deserving of assistance.

His colleague at Romero House, Sarah Villiger, then outlined the amazing array of ways that her organization assists refugees in the long process of becoming permanent residents. Students also had a chance to watch the excellent CBC documentary on Romero House ,“A Street Called Wanda”, and ask questions of the panel.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of the day was when a former refugee, Candy Kuswani, spoke of her difficult experience and the home she found at Romero House. As Costello observes, “To meet Candy in such a direct way was for Sarah and me to share with the students not just words or interpretations but the reality [of forced migration] in one person. This is what we had to give--along
with ourselves.”

Other speakers at the symposium included: Dr. Mark McGowan, Principal of St. Michael’s College; Jenny Cafiso and Ikem Opara of Canadian Jesuits International; Deacon Ron Jenkins from CHALICE; and Luke Stocking from Development and Peace.

It was a meaningful day for all involved. As Jack recollects: “Personally, I felt joyful around the students. I felt they were fine kids and that little kick in the heart where you sense 'Hey, there really is reason to have hope.'

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Photo 1: Fr Jack Costello addresses the Symposium.

Photo 2: Jenny Cafiso and Ikem Opara of Canadian Jesuits International make their presentation.

Photo 3: The panel discussion in full swing.

Photo 4: Some of the large attendance.