Shane Daly SJ was appointed Provincial of the Irish Jesuit Province in 2023. Before joining the Jesuits at the age of 35, he taught young offenders and vulnerable children.
Shane opened celebrations to mark such a huge occasion for IJI and our supporters and friends. He spoke of how appropriate it was that the conference was held in Milltown Park, where IJI was created 80 years ago to serve and support the work and needs of the Jesuits rebuilding the Hong Kong mission after WWII and support the emerging mission in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia, today).
“The generosity, commitment, resilience, and faith of our Jesuit missionaries and lay colleagues has borne much fruit…walking with the excluded, journeying with youth, and caring for our common home” all of which were at the heart of our work, Shane shared.
“Our gratitude and appreciation go to the men and women involved in these works of service both in the past and today.” He added, “in Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ encyclical on fraternity and social friendship, he notes that we are called to “a love without borders…taking an active part in renewing and supporting our troubled societies.”
Today, at a time when dark clouds of conflict gather over our world, this generosity is more needed than ever, giving hope that we can build a very different world built on fraternity and friendship.
In closing Shane gave a special mention to those who stayed at home to run raffles, cake sales and concerts in parishes and communities raising critical funds for our development and emergency responses. “It was less glamorous and adventurous but made so much possible.” Shane added, “to that end we remember Tom Martin SJ, the first IJI Director from 1945 to 1972.”
Shane commended the IJI team – John Guiney SJ, the present IJI Director, Emer, Tim, Yanira, Joe, Amanda, Jim and Rutsuko – remembering Rosaleen who has just began her retirement, for their commitment to building a just, livable and humane world.
Read Shane’s full speech here: Shane Daly SJ – A Legacy of Service, Solidarity, and Hope