The Faith-Justice Institute was founded in 1977. It serves the University as a center that promotes social analysis and critical thought around faith and justice issues. The Institute seeks to foster a culture of “Christian justice” which permeates the academic endeavors of our community and which will significantly influence “the way in which a group of people live, think, feel, organize themselves, celebrate, and share life” (GC 34, Decree 4- “Our Mission and Culture”). Such a culture encourages a serious consideration of problems and their solutions from the standpoint of a faith-filled concern for justice. It also challenges its members to work for the “justice of God’s kingdom” in their personal and professional lives, as well as in their social, cultural, and political activities.
The Institute explores contemporary issues of faith and justice through academic courses, public forums, and experiential field seminars. These initiatives seek to critically analyze the sources of and reasons for injustice and to actively fashion more just communities at local, national, and international levels. Such efforts should be rooted in a spirituality that takes seriously the world as it unjustly exists and that fosters hope and commitment to keep working to reshape that world in the light of Gospel values.
Rest in Peace: Sr. Francis Joseph Scarpello, RA
On February 28, Sister Francis Joseph Scarpello, Religious of the Assumption, former Assistant Director of the Faith Justice Institute, passed away peacefully with her sisters in West Philadelphia. Previous to Sister Francis Joseph's 30-plus years at Saint Joseph's she was the Headmistress of Ravenhill Academy. Two former presidents of the Philippines and one former princess of Monaco count among her many devoted students. Sister served in Paris, Rome, Manilla and Osaka, Japan. Notably she was the executive secretary for the International Union of Superiors General coordinating the needs and concerns of 2,285 leaders of Roman Catholic religious orders worldwide. A remarkable and very wise woman to all who knew her.
Current Events: Just Listening Training:
The training will provide students with the skills and understanding needed to listen as an act of justice and non-violence. It will explore the ways in which we try to move the conversation in a specific direction, either consciously or unconsciously, by the ways in which we respond to the listener. The training will provide students with the tools to be present to the other person in a way that allows them to share their story fully. Sharon will also talk about the power of just listening to an individual who has experienced oppression and marginalization in a manner that fosters their inherent human dignity. The training is applicable for both service and the personal interactions we have with family, friends, etc.
Click here for an application or email JilL Welsh at Jamitran@sju.edu with any questions.
Ed Brady, SJ was born in New Orleans, LA, graduated from St. Charles College and entered the Jesuit Novitiate in the New Orleans Province. Fr. Brady was ordained to the priesthood in 1959, professed his final vows to the Society of Jesus in 1963, and came to Saint Joseph's University in 1969. From 1970 to 1976, Fr. Brady served as Director of the Peace Studies Center. In 1977 he became the founding director of The Faith-Justice Institute. In 1979 he left Hawk Hill to direct the Bread for the World Education Fund. He became director of the Catholic Office for Emergency Relief in Thailand (1981-1985) and then was Education Coordinator for the UN High Commission for Refugees (1985-2000). From 2000-2007, Fr. Brady served as Spriritual Director at St. Paul's Seminary in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ed Brady, SJ passed away in 2007. At the celebration of the 30th year of its creation, The Faith-Justice Institute initiated an annual faculty award, the Ed Brady, SJ Faith in Action Service Award to honor the memory of its founding member.