As the name implies, this is an apostolate that cares for the poor and the marginalized, as well as for the earth and all of creation.

In the Australian Province, this takes the form of caring for Asylum seekers and refugees, fighting against pollution, climate change and irresponsible exploitation of the land as well as seeking a more just distribution of economic prosperity, food, water, healthcare, education and resources.

"Thy Kingdom come on earth" is part of the Lord's Prayer but the Kingdom will only come if we take up the mandate that we received in baptism to continue the work begun by Jesus. If we don't feed the hungry they will not be fed; if we don't care of the broken and despised people they will not be healed, so the mission of the Church is to continue what Jesus started.

The work of JPIC challenges us to move beyond our boundaries and to reach out in friendship to those who are desperately seeking our help and acceptance.

In the Australia Province, JPIC activities include:

Living and ministering with First Nations communities;

Being a part of networks advocating for asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities and providing ethnic chaplaincies to support migrant communities;

Living and promoting a care for Creation; being part of networks in the Church and broader community who work for peace;

Seeking to be present with those who are marginalised and suffering.

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: The parish community at Santa Teresa in Central Australia, where the SVD accompanies the Arrernte Aboriginal people.

BOTTOM LEFT: Fr Truc Phan SVD with his vegetable garden at the presbytery in Emerald, Qld, where he enjoys creating a sustainable food source for both priests and parishioners.