Welcome.

We may listen to a whole range of personal comments on life during the course of a week at different venues and events, whether it be the breakfast table, a lunch time snack or an evening gathering. By the end of the week most of the discussions are forgotten with a smile, but often somebody said one thing that has taken root. Maybe we would want to ask more about it if we took the opportunity and the time. Social reflection is borne out of such exchanges and unplanned-for experiences in life. Social reflection is most frequently engaged in through opinion columns that allow us draw a deeper perspective than is assumed by general media and the wisdom of mass communication today. Behind social reflection there is a framework and method. For social analysis that is open to a faith experience it may be deepened with theological reflection.

ESSC is an organization that works in many difficult contexts where the general social norms frequently do not apply and there is a constant need to be attune to what is really happening with people and how effectively to work with critical knowledge and empowering implementation. A number of events this year have been occasion for various group engagements and reflection. The effort here is to share these experiences amongst such like-minded groups and draw further reflective response rather than simply reaction. There is a greater truth to be found in our experiences and in what is shared and there is a value in taking it deeper into our own lives and broader in relating with society. A number of reflections are shared here:

1. Jesuit Scholastics Social Apostolate Summer Program, Mindanao, Philippines
2. Reflections on Youth and Peace in Mindanao
3. Climate and Compassion: Victoria Fires, Australia
   
4. Kutzuki Village: Reworking of Community Values and Opportunities
5. Forest Stewardship in Southeast Asia
6. James O'Brien: Reflections of a Magis visit to the Philippines 
7. Ignatian Conversations: Fr. Pedro Walpole, S.J.
   
8. Small People and the Broad Road of Development: Fr. Greg Soetomo, S.J.
9. Healing Memories through Dance: Pedro Walpole, S.J.

Beyond these there is a compilation of draft related tools to be uploaded.

This is not a directly open web page as it is initially focused on those who have participated in the different events and how we want to continue our reflection. If there are other personal friends you feel might benefit from the site, you can share the link. The invitation is for those who join to share their experience and as others from different groups or experiences may want to read they too may want to comment.

Pedro Walpole, SJ