On November 14th, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) celebrates an important milestone: the founding of JRS in 1980. This year—2025—JRS Canada joins in celebrating 45 years of witness, solidarity, advocacy, and accompaniment with refugees and forcibly displaced people.

Looking back:

• Since its inception, JRS has accompanied millions of people through the most serious displacement crises of our time.
• In Canada, JRS has worked both on the ground—in local communities—and at the national level to influence immigration and refugee policies.
• The heart of this mission remains simple: share a meal, listen to a story, build a community.
• JRS continued presence in more than 50 countries is a testament to its enduring commitment to the most vulnerable.

This 45th anniversary is both a celebration and a call to action: for every Canadian to find a way to “walk alongside” those who are on the move.

Awareness must continue through creative means: testimonials, community events, immersive educational tools.

To mark this milestone, Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, shares a heartfelt message reflecting on the mission and spirit that have guided JRS since 1980. His words remind us that our call to walk with refugees is a call to build a more compassionate and just world for all.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we continue to accompany, serve, and advocate — with faith and hope.