A Jesuit Mission Australia fundraising program that began in an Adelaide parish has reached two major milestones – welcoming its 100th member and raising $100,000 for the charity’s work in Myanmar.
Launched by St Ignatius Norwood parishioners in South Australia in partnership with Jesuit Mission Australia, the Pilgrim 100 collective giving group has grown into a community of 100 members committed to making a tangible difference.
The milestone was marked at a special celebration, where members gathered to reflect on the group’s impact. Fr Mark Raper SJ, an Australian Jesuit and former superior of Myanmar, shared a video updating members on the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
“The country is at war. It is perhaps forgotten with all the other terrible wars going on around the world at the moment and the people feel forgotten,” Fr Raper said.
He said a young Jesuit priest was recently injured by a landmine, a parish in Banmaw Diocese had been bombed twice by the military, and another priest was stranded after an airport was hit by a drone strike.
Fr Raper said support from Pilgrims 100 is helping deliver critical education to displaced communities in Myanmar.
“With almost four million displaced people, education is vital. Your support is helping us provide emergency education to young people in extremely difficult circumstances,” he said.
Since its launch six years ago, Pilgrims 100 has supported nine Jesuit Mission Australia projects across Cambodia, Laos, Timor-Leste and Vietnam, directly impacting more than 40,000 people.
Pilgrims 100 was founded by James and Genevieve Hill at St Ignatius Parish.
“Our hope is that Pilgrims 100 will be a strong supporter base with a continuing presence for Jesuit Mission here in South Australia,” they said.
Each member donates $1000 annually and the group votes for their preferred project every year, supporting sustainable initiatives with long term impact. Funds are managed by Jesuit Mission Australia, with members receiving regular updates on project outcomes and the opportunity to visit the projects.
Australians are invited to join Pilgrims 100 and be part of a growing community helping empower marginalised communities around the world. Details: Pilgrims 100.
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Pilgrims 100 reaches 100 members and raises $100,000 for Myanmar (Jesuit Mission Australia)
