On 4 October 2025, the Feast of St Francis of Assisi and the World Day of Migrants & Refugees, our community gathered at St Ignatius Church for reflection and sharing. Brother Jasper, SJ, shared deeply a moving reflection based on his experiences living and serving among an indigenous community in a remote region, where he witnessed not just hardship, but a quiet resilience..

Many in the community aspired to a better life beyond their village. For them, migration was not a romantic pursuit but a perilous journey fraught with real threats, including kidnapping and human trafficking. These dangers were constant aspects of their daily realities.

During his time there, Brother Jasper stayed with a local family rather than in a Jesuit house or mission compound. The entire village welcomed him, contributing food, space, and care to support his stay. Their generosity, despite poverty, left a lasting impression on him. Although he had nothing tangible to give in return, his presence was sufficient.

He also began to notice people in the village who might, at first glance, be misunderstood because they appeared idle or without “formal” employment. However, as he lived among them, Brother Jasper understood their crucial, albeit unofficial, roles as the community’s eyes and ears. They were aware of who needed help, who was missing, and who had returned, spotting danger before it became apparent to others. This guardianship was essential but often unseen.