Focusing on Social Justice, A Jesuit Leader Visits from Rome

posted on April 22, 2013

Father Patxi Álvarez de los Mozos, S.J., the Secretary for Social Justice and Ecology in the Society of Jesus, spent a day at Red Cloud during his recent trip to the United States. 

Headquarted in Rome, Fr. Álvarez de los Mozos travels around the world visiting Jesuit ministries that address critical social justice challenges, and especially those facing Native peoples. On this trip to the United States, Red Cloud was one of the very first places he wanted to see.  

According to the Provincial Assistant for Social and International Ministries for the Chicago-Detroit and Wisconsin Provinces, John Sealey, Fr. Alvarez wanted to see Red Cloud’s work first hand, as it serves as a “vital and important ministry that embodies Jesuit commitment to accompany indigenous people.”

During his visit, Fr. Álvarez had the opportunity to meet faculty, administrators, students and parishioners—and left with a stronger understanding of the deep commitment of Jesuits and their colleagues to promoting social justice for and among Lakota people.

Red Cloud’s President, Fr. George Winzenburg, explains Fr. Alvarez’ visit represents a tremendous honor for the institution.  “It is significant whenever a Jesuit from our headquarters in Rome visits us.  Fr. Alvarez advises our Father General, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, so that he can effectively guide the Society's international mission.”  

Surrounding a mission of ‘faith that does justice,’ Fr. Alvarez’s work assists in putting action to the ideals most upheld by the Jesuits.  “That must include an outreach to the poor and advocacy for those who have no voice,” continues Fr. George. “[Fr. Alvarez] was impressed by what he saw at Red Cloud.”

For more information on Fr. Patxi’s work through the Social Justice & Ecology Secretariat, visit: http://www.sjweb.info/sjs/